The Socratic method of teaching is a form of inquiry-based discourse focused on questioning to spur critical thinking and drive ideation. It is through exploration, dialogue, considering new perspectives, and constant questioning that students develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Through Socratic Seminars, students develop confidence in articulating their ideas to others while providing supporting evidence with reasoned thinking.

With a similar format to that of a debate, Philosophical Chairs is less about competition and more about students providing their perspective on an issue and supporting it with successful rhetoric and articulation (Custer et al., 2011). This strategy—rich in inquiry—is built on a prompt to which contradictory positions exist. Participants address these positions through deep, academic discourse in a structured, formal process. Philosophical Chairs is also a form of team-building, during which a safe environment is formed that encourages students to take risks and share opinions with one another. Through the exposure of varied perspectives, cultural worldviews, and personal experiences, students begin to appreciate the diverse nature of their classroom and see it as a source of strength and identity.