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Charles Ames Fischer
a book bubble about
The Power of the Socratic Classroom
Education & Reference
Author Insight
Building Ideas Through Listening
Have you ever noticed how many conversations proceed by associations or linkages? It's most evident in younger students when they hear a word and then tell a story they know that's somehow connected to that word. But I have begun to notice this conversation pattern in more and more adults as well. The result is usually surface-level dialogue without much substance. The main culprit seems to be the lack of listening. The problem is that real listening is difficult. It takes a lot of work to get involved in a conversation, to care enough to process what's going on, and to build the ideas toward something greater than superficiality. Active listening, including asking questions, becomes vital for creating meaningful dialogue!
Book Excerpt
The Power of the Socratic Classroom
Listening is a vital component to any Socratic classroom. Leonard writes: “There can be great excitement in a classroom where ideas are merely presented—but there can be no discussion unless students are encouraged to absorb and reflect as well as to speak. Then ideas can be expanded, criticized, and sharpened. For such discussion, the capacity to listen is a precious resource. At any given moment, after all, all members of the group but one is engaged in listening.” Because Socratic Seminar is tremendously dependent on quality active listening, students must be taught stronger listening skills and they must be given opportunities to practice.
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