Enquiring Minds: Socratic Dialogue in Education - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1858563364 ISBN 13: 9781858563367

Publisher: Trentham Books, 2004

Synopsis

This book is the first in English to set out the theoretical underpinnings of modern Socratic Dialogue as a self-directed learning process. Central to the Socratic Method are the opportunities it gives educators and others to

* learn about the Socratic Method as a new approach to their work
* foster rational critical thinking skills
* develop the learners’ autonomy
* nurture emotional intelligence and qualities such as empathy

As a process of philosophising in groups, Socratic Dialogue is attracting growing interest in the US, Mexico and Europe because of its potential contribution to developing learning. It will be relevant to courses in citizenship, personal and social education, health, social work and community issues.

Inspired by the philosophy of Socrates, the German philosopher Leonard Nelson began to apply the Socratic Method to thinking and learning in the 1920s. By the 1950s Socratic Dialogue was being developed into a learning/teaching process, initially in Germany.

Part 1 of the book deals with theoretical aspects of Socratic Dialogue and suggests possible applications, particularly in the school sector. Part 2 presents a range of Socratic Dialogue experiences in Britain and Germany and offers guidance about the organisation, rules and phases of the Socratic process. The foundation text by Leonard Nelson makes up Part 3. There is information about organizations involved with the promotion of Socratic Dialogue in Britain, Germany and the Netherlands and a survey of relevant literature.

The work will be of interest to all those working in education, especially teachers of philosophy, ethics, religious studies and mathematics. It will provide an authoritative guide to educators who want learners to develop enquiring minds.

About this title

About the Author:

Rene Saran is a school governor and an experienced Socratic facilitator in schools and adult education in Britain. She has published widely on education policy and management.

Review:

"Its clear and straightforward instructions and examples are very useful, as are the underpinning theoretical foundations based on the work of Plato...reliably informs and wonderfully enthuses." (Teaching in Higher Education)

About this edition

• Publisher: Trentham Books
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 1858563364
• ISBN 13: 9781858563367
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 196
• Editor: Saran Rene, Neisser Barbara