Dialogic Approaches

I really liked learning about the two different dialogic approaches, the Socratic Method and the traditional Eastern Philosophical roots of it.  The Socratic Method, created by Socrates, made very interesting connections through his analogy of a pregnant woman compared to a student, "pregnant with thoughts, was in labor."  Also, the "midwife," or the teacher, being the one asking the questions, skillfully.  "Through questioning, the student gave birth to concepts and understandings that were already in his mind."  I love this approach to teaching.  This approach implies that the student has capability/potential, but just needs proper questioning, no matter who it is.  An example in the text is that even, "an uneducated slave boy could reason through difficult mathematical problems and arrice at the Pythagorean theorem."  He also does not ignore the point of ignorance, that state of being unknowledgable, pointing out that an awareness of one's ignorance is wise. 

I also enjoyed learning about Confusius, "China's 'first teacher' Kong Zi."  He recognized what was needed in society and focused on how to attain ren.  This scholar and teacher portrays the importance of loving learning and that one never, ever stops learning.  His teaching had good intentions, wanting to influence society and cause social reform.  This sort of teaching is what brings about change and causes a shift or a movement. 

I loved learning about these two teachings, as a future educator.