Socrates
I was glad to see this mentioned. Part of the assumption in the socratic method was to challenge held beliefs. It seems that may be counterproductive to this unit in that sense. It is critical to have classroom dialogue but not that this is a side-effect. One that I think should be encouraged, but many teachers would struggle with.
Hi Pierre, That is an important observation!
Susan Polick
I would add, too, that much depends on how the challenging questions are presented. If students feel that their own beliefs are being ignored, discounted, or belittled, then they aren't going to be too receptive to difficult, probing questions from the instructor.
That's why Socrates' method of questioning was so effective -- he always started his examinations of others by asking for their views and beliefs. From there, he would prod them further and further.
Im not really sure this is so. A healthy discussion that challenges beliefs will either prove the hypothesis correct and concrete, or give valid points that require a change in assumptions, ideas, beliefs, or protocol
