Introduction

Welcome to Why Socratic Education?, the first course in BRI’s online program, Introduction to Socratic Pedagogy!

In this course, you will explore how Socratic education can enliven dialogue, foster a culture of learning in the classroom, develop independent thinking, and civil discourse to prepare students for self-governance. You will define and reflect on the roles of civil discourse and viewpoint diversity on an education for self-governance and investigate educational research for the effectiveness of Socratic seminars. In a discussion, you will reflect on examples of discourse in your own civic life.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Define and reflect on the roles of civil discourse and viewpoint diversity on an education for self-governance.
• Investigate educational research for the effectiveness of Socratic seminars.
• Reflect on examples of civic discourse in everyday life.
• Self-evaluate your current practice and develop goals for transferring your learning.