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To counter the positive feedback about this technique, I'd like to point that when the person on the learning side (answering the questions) has not asked to be
by ihaveajob 9y ago
To counter the positive feedback about this technique, I'd like to point that when the person on the learning side (answering the questions) has not asked to be taught anything, the teacher (asking questions) can come across as a condescending prick. This is especially true if the content is a matter of opinion, not statements of fact. I have become sensitized to this and it makes my blood boil when I notice it happen.
- robbles 9y agoThat's true regardless of the teaching technique though, isn't it? Having someone lecture at you because they assume your knowledge is lacking is the part that makes it condescending, IMO.
- miceeatnicerice 9y agoWell, yes - but being speculatively questioned is more infuriating because it's pretending to be the exact opposite of what it really is, as long as the questioner is happily taking a position of authority on the issue - which they are, as they're the one who's set the question in the first place. It's like a fly looking at a quivering piece of silk and imagining the worst, even if the spider's miles off. What you want, instead of questions, are themes - and the willingness to make yourself ridiculous through positive speculations.
- jbclements 9y agoNo, I think that the socratic method can be much more intensely infuriating because it's clear that the teacher is withholding the answer from you. (FWIW, I use the socratic method a lot... so I'm definitely familiar with students getting mad at me.)
- keithnz 9y agowell, to be fair, the people of Athens god a tad annoyed with Socrates resulting in him being put to death.
- ihaveajob 9y agoYou made me chuckle. Perhaps this should be a cautionary tale :)