Question Everything – Employee Training Socratic Style
June 13, 2010 1 Comment
Trainers can learn a thing or two from Socrates (the old Greek guy). Although he died over 2,000 years ago the method of questioning developed by Socrates is still one of the most powerful ways to help people to develop their critical thinking—an important skill in today’s organizations!
Critical thinking is the process we use to reflect on, access and judge the assumptions underlying our own and others ideas and actions. Socratic questioning is at the heart of critical thinking and the following are six types of Socratic questions:
- Questions for clarification:
- Why do you say that?
- How does this relate to our discussion?
- Questions that probe assumptions:
- What could we assume instead?
- How can you verify or disapprove that assumption?
- Questions that probe reasons and evidence:
- What would be an example?
- What is….analogous to?
- Questions about Viewpoints and Perspectives:
- What would be an alternative?
- What is another way to look at it?
- Would you explain why it is necessary or beneficial, and who benefits?
- Questions that probe implications and consequences:
- What generalizations can you make?
- What are the consequences of that assumption?
- What are you implying?
- Questions about the question:
- What was the point of this question?
- Why do you think I asked this question?
- What does…mean?
Today’s tip: Use Socratic questions throughout your training programs – it will force course participants to think critically about the topic.
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June 13th, 2010 @ 10:45 am
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