The Digital Gadfly: Applying Socratic Questioning in AI-Assisted Inquiry-Based Learning
The classical image of Socrates—the “gadfly” of Athens—is one of a man who refused to provide answers, choosing instead to sting his interlocutors into deeper thought through persistent, disciplined questioning. In the 21st century, we face a paradox: we have developed Large Language Models (LLMs) that act as “Answer Engines,” capable of providing instant solutions to almost any query. However, in the realm of education, an instant answer is often the enemy of learning. To preserve the rigor of Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL), we must repurpose these powerful tools. By applying Socratic questioning to AI interactions, we can transform AI from a passive oracle into a sophisticated partner in a modern dialectic.
The Framework: Six Types of Socratic Questions in the AI Age
The transition from passive AI consumption to active inquiry requires a structured approach. Using Richard Paul’s taxonomy of Socratic questioning, we can develop a framework for how students …
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