One of the foundational philosophies of teaching and learning is the Socratic method. In his efforts as a teacher and mentor to help his student search for “truth,” the Greek philosopher Socrates asked questions and engaged in dialogue to help students understand the world.

 

Modern practitioners do not really follow Socrates’ example precisely. In fact, some simple research for this article reveals that the origins and use of this approach are far more complicated. Nevertheless, the basic premise of this teaching method is to engage in a conversation in which we question our assumptions and develop logic and evidence that help frame our worldviews. When visiting classrooms at Colorado Academy, one rarely sees a classroom in which there are simply students sitting and listening. Typically, CA classrooms are spaces where students are interacting with one another and their teachers.

 

Not every human being is predisposed to wanting to engage in this kind of learning approach. As an adult who does a lot of professional development, it is always easier to come to a lecture and listen to the speaker passively. Whenever I speak to adults — whether they are educators at a professional conference or parents at Back-to-School Night — few adults ever volunteer to sit in the front row. We do what most humans prefer to do: sit in the back and not risk embarrassment by putting ourselves “out there” in the mix of ideas and arguments. We should all have some sympathy for what we ask and expect our students to do everyday. Intellectual interaction takes a fair amount of energy and courage. One has to be willing to speak up about his opinion, judgement, or ideas. Then, he or she has to be willing to get involved in a back and forth in which assumptions and beliefs are challenged. How many of us enjoy that process as adults? One has to think on one’s feet. One has to dig deeply into his or her understanding. One has to articulate his or her viewpoints.

 

To truly learn, one has to develop the ability to grow from this type of interrogation or debate. Often, this means changing one’s assumptions and understandings. This demands flexibility in thinking and not being stuck in rigid ideology. It means listening to new evidence or a different perspective. In a school environment, this type of conversation has to be managed in a way that respects the dignity of all students.

 

Teachers and parents play different roles in the intellectual development of a child. They both bring a shared concern for the growth of a young person. We all want students to emerge as adults who are intellectually curious and who are contributors to society. Parents can play a helpful role in modeling the kind of conversations that teachers take on everyday in a CA classroom. At CA, it is not hard to find enthusiastic students. We see kids comfortable in the classroom — this is borne out in the recent student survey in which our students overwhelmingly reported feeling comfortable and supported in the classroom. In lower grades, I see kids throwing their hands into the air, eager to speak. Middle schoolers aren’t too bashful either, and one can witness their enthusiasm as they manage more complex concepts.

The conversations mature in the Upper School, and there is an intensity, sophistication, and engagement that is inspiring. Despite all this good work, every student can work on this important life skill: being able to have a high-level dialogue with another human being.

 

When we consider how young people tend to communicate today — sending text messages or communicating on social media, rather than direct, face-to-face encounters — we can understand why this is such a critical issue.

 

Despite the technological revolution that we are living through, adults know that interpersonal communication skills are (STILL) essential to one’s success. We expect that our students will be leaders in whatever field they chose to pursue. No matter what field, leaders need to be able to communicate their vision. Leaders must be able to listen to divergent viewpoints. Leaders must be willing to engage with others and to do so at a high level. Trust and respect are essential.

 

Parents, you can play such an important role in helping your child understand how to engage in a conversation. When you talk together, much depends on your child (as a future adult) to be able to find things interesting and to be interesting. Whether it is an interview for a summer job or with a college admissions officer, being skillful at conversation and dialogue are things that one needs to be good at by high school. Now, don’t read this article and immediately have a dinner conversation with your child about the meaning of life. Trust that many of the skills and capacities are being built at CA through our curriculum. However, here are a few simple ideas of how you can reinforce this essential part of our curriculum at home:

As a parent who has witnessed students, as well as my own kids, grow into high schoolers, I have been blown away by the journey. The maturity and sophistication that emerges is amazing, and it comes far more quickly than you might imagine. When you put it into words, it makes it that much more real.