Unit 3: Questioning Strategies

Unit Introduction

Review the brief introduction on the unit's content to prepare yourself for the material found within this page.

Overview

In order to better understand the necessity in utilizing tutoring strategies, we will look at tutoring from the perspective of the Socratic Method of Questioning. In particular, this section focuses on the Theory of Socratic Questioning and its relationship to tutoring. This unit looks at 5 different questioning strategies connected to the the Socratic Method that can assist tutors throughout all stages of a tutoring session. Also, please view the reading articles and complete the activities within this page before moving onto the next step.

Tutoring Benefits

Review the Socratic Method of Questioning Theory.
Learn why the Socratic Method can assist tutors.
Learn the 5-different questioning techniques for tutoring.
Demonstrate how to use the 5-different techniques within a tutoring session.

Educational Theory & Key Concepts

Read the key concepts of the Socratic Questioning method.

Socratic questioning is questioning that can be used to pursue thought in many directions and for many purposes, including: to explore complex ideas, to analyze concepts, to distinguish what we know from what we don't know, to follow out logical implications of thought or to control the discussion, and more. The key to distinguishing Socratic questioning from questioning per se is that Socratic questioning is systematic form of questioning focused on fundamental concepts, principles, theories, issues or problems.

Why Socratic Questioning?

Tutors, students, or anyone interested in probing thinking at a deep level can construct Socratic questions and engage in these questions. When educators use Socratic questioning, their purpose may be to probe student thinking, to determine the extent of student knowledge on a given topic, issue or subject, to model Socratic questioning for students or to help students analyze a concept or line of reasoning. It is suggested that students should learn the discipline of Socratic questioning so that they begin to use it in reasoning through complex issues, in understanding and assessing the thinking of others and in following-out the implications of what they and others think. In fact, Socrates himself thought that questioning was the only defensible form of teaching.

How does Socratic Questioning Help?

Socratic questioning illuminates the importance of questioning in learning. It illuminates the difference between systematic and fragmented thinking. It teaches learners to dig beneath the surface of our ideas. It teaches learners the value of developing questioning minds in cultivating deep learning. Integrating Socratic questions in the following manner in a tutoring helps develop active, independent, and confident learners.

Application

Read and Watch the materials on Tutoring and the Socratic Method of Questioning.

The Socratic Methods

One of the most effective tutoring methods is the Socratic Method--a method of questioning. As a tutor you must learn to ask effective questions--the more effective the question, the better the response from the student. There are several reasons for using the Socratic Method:

to determine problem areas for the student,
to determine what a student knows,
to help a student determine the right answer,
to see if a student can apply new skills, or
to clarify something which is not clear.

The major reason for questioning is to determine the types of problems a student is experiencing, so you can identify learner needs. Questions are effective for this purpose. That said, questions should be asked throughout the session, and the Socratic Method should be used as a fundamental part of tutoring. Below are guidelines for each of the above reasons.