Questioning Techniques & Self Directed learning The importance of asking the right question. Andrews 2013

Self Directed Learning Elizabeth Andrews AET/531 Technology for the Adult Learner May 26, 2014 Dr. Terri Bubb Andrews 2014

The Socratic Method An animated short on the Socratic Method:

Socratic Method Defined The Socratic Method is named after the Greek Philosopher Socrates and is a student- centered approach to teaching that challenges learners to develop their critical thinking skills and engage in analytic discussion (Coffey, 2014).

5 Basic Questions about Gardening 1. How do gardeners promote and sustain genetic diversity in garden plants and crops? 2. How do gardeners solve pest problems organically? 3. How can gardening benefit households? 4. What are organic gardening techniques? 5. What home gardening methods are useful to new gardeners?

Question 1 Socratic: Research ways a home gardener can help maintain and promote genetic diversity in garden plants and crops. Choose one that you would use and explain why. Original: How do gardeners promote and sustain genetic diversity in garden plants and crops?

Question 2 Socratic: Why do you think gardeners choose chemical pest control over organic methods? Original: How do gardeners solve pest problems organically?

Question 3 Socratic: List and explain a minimum of 5 benefits gardening can have on an American household, please defend your answers with references and data. Original: How can gardening benefit households?

Question 4 Socratic: List and explain 3 organic gardening techniques new gardeners are likely to succeed with. Support your answers with research. Original: What are organic gardening techniques?

Question 5 Socratic: Create a visual organizer that compares 4 vegetable gardening methods including their ease of maintenance, cost, yield, and size requirements. Original: What home gardening methods are useful to new gardeners?

The Socratic Method: Problem Based and Independent Learning The combination of the Socratic Method and well thought out questions sets students up for successful learning experiences. When students are asked questions that challenge the way they perceive a specific topic or issue, they are forced to independently search for the answers they need. Socratic questioning also lends itself to problem based learning through group or peer discourse, debate, and research. With the complex questions of the Socratic style, groups must question each other and their findings to come to an agreed upon solution to the proposed problem.

Summary The use the best possible questions, ones that forces students to go beyond a “yes” or “no” answer leads students on a discovery of new knowledge through independent research and discovery. These questions usually center on major concerns, problems, and interests of the student while also spurring new thoughts and questions in the student. This will provide the momentum for continuous need for knowledge. According to Paul, Martin, and Adamson (1989), Questions define tasks, express problems and delineate issues. Answers on the other hand, often signal a full stop in thought. Only when an answer generates a further question does thought continue its life as such. This is why it is true that only students who have questions are really thinking and learning.

References ariadeneCA. Socrates Movie [Video file]. Retrieved from q3s79w8SQhttps:// q3s79w8SQ Coffey, H. (2014). Learn NC. Retrieved from Ed Paul, R. W., Martin, D., & Adamson, K. (1989). Critical thinking handbook: high school, a guide for redesigning instruction. Rohnert Park, CA: Foundation for Critical Thinking.