The Socratic method reloaded: How to make it work in large classes?

Type of content
Journal Article
Publisher's DOI/URI
Thesis discipline
Degree name
Publisher
University of Canterbury. School of Law
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Language
Date
2014
Authors
Riffel, C.
Abstract

The Socratic method with its constant questioning poses a challenge to students, more so than any other teaching method. By the same token, it teaches law students what they need to know: legal analysis, critical thinking and verbal skills. In court, in the negotiation room, in the lecture theatre, a lawyer needs to be able to react to new allegations or novel arguments on the spot. Practice makes perfect. Where, if not at law school, is this practice supposed to take place? On the job would be too late as employers expect fully operational recruits from day one. Having said that, the Socratic method is not a panacea. The myriad of skills a good lawyer should be able to master can be best acquired by a mix of teaching styles.

Description
Citation
Riffel, C. (2014) The Socratic method reloaded: How to make it work in large classes?. Canterbury Law Review, 20, pp. 125-135.
Keywords
Socratic method
Ngā upoko tukutuku/Māori subject headings
ANZSRC fields of research
Field of Research::13 - Education::1399 - Other Education::139999 - Education not elsewhere classified
Field of Research::18 - Law and Legal Studies::1899 - Other Law and Legal Services::189999 - Law and Legal Studies not elsewhere classified
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