Socratic questioning, mini seminar shared experience

January 10, 2013

Mrs. J’s Musings;

… after two opportunities to share an introductory questioning class;

one with a learning family and one with older ladies:
Presentation: discussion…

“We grow in the direction of the questions we are asking.” –unknown

Our questions grow from our prior knowledge and interests.

“You do not fully understand a thought (or idea, shared by someone)

until you understand the question (the reason, from their prior experience)

that gives rise to it.”-the Art of Socratic Questioning

What is their purpose; what is their motivation for pursuing this line of questioning?

And, a vital question; what is a question?

From a 12 year old: A way to get information; from a senior lady: A way of seeking knowledge.  And, “questions are born of necessity.” h-m-m-m…

Discussion: This quote, “Millions saw the apple fall, but Newton was the only one who asked why.”-(Bernard Barach) is an example of this quote:

“Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought.” –(Albert Szent-Gyorgi)

            Thoughts developed: ‘Don’t make hurried judgments; wait, think, ponder about what you are seeing; your mind will work harder, you will see more details; your perspective will shift, if it is near you will see far; are you looking up? Try looking down; What will it be like tomorrow……?”seek first to understand”.’

Sample Activity:  Whitcomb L. Judson    -zipper -1893

                               William Horlick           -malted milk -1882

                               Theophilus Van Kannel –revolving door- 1888

(from a list of 35 ‘unsung heros’)

Discuss the possible reason each inventor had –from their own prior experiences-

that gave rise to the question that preceded each invention.

Then do some more research…………….

If you have just arrived at this BLOG you may gain greater understanding of the importance of asking questions going back to my December 20 BLOG and moving forward….Mrs. J