RBS Tabletalk

The Socratic Method in Seminary?

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4 Responses

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1. It would be interesting to see a list of resources on how to use or to develop the Socratic method for yourself. I use a question and answer format for our Wednesday Night Study, but I am not sure it is Socratic.

   What would be the best resources?

   

   brady

   June 13, 2007 at 11:52 am

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2. The method is not best developed first by “how to” books but by learning how to think logically (biblically) and by observing or interacting with a good Socratic teacher. For starters, I recommend Peter Kreeft’s “Socrates Meets…” books. They are insightful, enjoyable, and instructive. Kreeft is a Romanist, so you will need to read him with the same discernment that you would with any pagan, such as Socrates, but you will not be disappointed with his style. If, after reading one or two of his books, you still want help, let me know.

   

   Joseph Bartosch

   June 13, 2007 at 12:08 pm

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3. Joseph, interesting stuff, this is the first I have ever heard of this “Socratic Method”. I would be interested in knowing how this method would be applied in relation to comprehensive testing on a Seminary level.

   

   Jason Young

   June 17, 2007 at 3:44 am

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4. Joseph, interesting stuff, this is the first I have ever heard of this “Socratic Method”. I would be interested in knowing how this method would be applied in relation to comprehensive testing on a Seminary level.
   Jason Young

   Assessment (testing) that is driven strictly by memorization of material yields graduates who are good at memorizing and know a lot of facts. Though memorization is essential to biblical learning, it is not the end of learning. The student should not be able to succeed when assessed if he does not understand the material. That is why it is imperative that a good seminary assessment program will include such assessment methods as reading analysis, essay-writing, project completion, and oral examination. From my understanding, RBS does have some of these elements and hopes to implement more. I am told that the mentoring program is designed to address some of these assessment concerns, but I am not aware of what training the mentors themselves receive in implementing effective assessment techniques. The Socratic Method prepares students to think biblically when assessed with an array of methods, especially oral examination.

   

   Joseph Bartosch

   June 19, 2007 at 2:10 pm

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