What is Socratic questioning?

Socratic questioning is a pedagogical technique that involves promoting critical thinking and encouraging deeper understanding through a series of guided questions. This method, rooted in the teaching style of the ancient philosopher Socrates, aims to challenge assumptions, clarify ideas, and uncover the underlying beliefs of students. By asking open-ended questions, instructors stimulate thoughtful dialogue and enable learners to explore concepts more fully, ultimately fostering independent critical thinking skills.

The focus is not solely on delivering information through lectures, nor does it aim to reduce student participation; rather, it actively engages students in the learning process. It also does not conform to a standardized test format, as Socratic questioning is about dynamic interaction rather than fixed assessments. This makes the second choice not only accurate but central to effective and engaging instruction, highlighting the importance of inquiry as a tool for learning.