Think Like Socrates: Using Questions to Invite Wonder and Empathy Into the Classroom, Grades 4-12

Shanna Peeples, 2015 National Teacher of the Year, suggests that questions are the key to creating wonder and empathy in the classroom. This resource provides practical strategies for creating a classroom that runs on dialogue, curiosity, inquiry, and respect, with examples and advice from award-winning teachers. It also includes step-by-step lessons for generating and using students' questions as a way of assessing their thinking and helping them guide that thinking into new learning aligned to state standards.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 08 November 2018
Publisher: SAGE Publications Inc

The power of questions lies at the heart of creating a wonder-filled and empathetic classroom environment. Socrates, revered as one of history's greatest teachers, believed in the transformative potential of inquiry over the traditional method of lecturing. However, as time passed, we seem to have strayed from Socrates' approach. Shanna Peeples, the 2015 National Teacher of the Year, is here to reclaim the essence of Socratic teaching and demonstrate how educators can foster a welcoming and engaging atmosphere that encourages student questions and honors their unique experiences.

This comprehensive resource offers practical strategies for transforming your classroom into a dynamic dialogue-driven space. Whether you teach across content areas or grade levels, this resource provides valuable examples and advice from award-winning teachers. It equips you with the tools to create a classroom that runs on curiosity, inquiry, and respect, fostering a love for learning that extends beyond textbooks.

One of the key aspects of this resource is the emphasis on generating and using student questions as a powerful tool for assessing their thinking and guiding their learning. Step-by-step lessons and lesson extensions are provided to help educators generate meaningful questions that engage students and promote deeper understanding. These questions are paired with sample texts to increase student engagement and promote critical thinking.

Moreover, this resource caters to the diverse needs of students, including English language learners, special education students, and gifted and talented students. Writing suggestions, in-class debate questions, and scoring rubrics are included to support students' writing abilities and assess their learning outcomes. Multimedia texts are also recommended to enhance learning experiences and provide a visual representation of complex concepts.

Inquiry is not limited to the classroom; it can be applied in professional learning communities, staff meetings, and even in creating inquiry groups around common areas of practice. Detailed protocols are provided to facilitate inquiry-based learning among adults, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.

By embracing the power of questions and fostering a culture of inquiry, educators can unlock the full potential of their students. They can create learning experiences that allow students to practice the work of citizenship grounded in empathy, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of the world around them. The questions themselves become the catalyst for meaningful learning and personal growth.

In conclusion, the key to creating wonder and empathy in the classroom lies in the power of questions. By embracing Socrates' approach and utilizing the resources provided in this comprehensive resource, educators can transform their classrooms into dynamic spaces that inspire curiosity, promote deep learning, and foster a sense of belonging among students. Let the questions begin, and watch as your students embark on a journey of discovery and personal growth.

Weight: 602g
Dimension: 191 x 231 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781506391649