What does Socrates have to do with 21st Century teaching and learning? A lot, according to education experts who claim that an important missing link in many classrooms is the presence of conversations that promote reflection, critical thinking and content understanding.
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What does Socrates have to do with 21st Century teaching and learning? A lot, according to education experts who claim that an important missing link in many classrooms is the presence of conversations that promote reflection, critical thinking and content understanding.
Gerald Graff (2003) points to the importance of what he calls “argumentative literacy” -- the ability of students to read, write, discuss, debate, and understand content in ways that not only deepen their knowledge, but boost critical thinking and analytical skills. Argumentative literacy also strengthens a student’s ability to see issues from multiple perspectives.
Mike Schmoker, author of several books including Results and Results Now, agrees and in an Educational Leadership article (April 2007) he referenced a study sponsored by the Association of American Colleges and Universities which found argumentative literacy to be one of the most essential skill students need to succeed in college (Conley 2003). The study also found that many of the students who do not complete college leave because they encounter difficulties in thinking, reading, 