The Socratic Method and the Mathematical Heuristic of George Polya

Robert J. Rhee, University of Maryland School of Law

Document Type: Article

Abstract

A number of commentators have observed the decline of the Socratic method. This is unfortunate as the Socratic method can be an effective teaching tool. But this article recognizes that the Socratic method can be monochromatic. This article argues that the Socratic method should not be conceived simply as a method to teach analytic skills. Rather, once learned, it can be a concrete analytic tool for the students to use without the help of professors. In other words, it is an end to itself rather than a means. To do this, we can adopt George Polya's heuristic for teaching mathematical problem solving

Keywords:

Socratic Method, Geoge Polya, Teaching, Pedogogical Method, Pedogogy, Legal Analysis, Legal Problem Solving, Problem Solving

Discipline(s)

Law

Recommended Citation

81 St. John's Law Review 881 (2007).