What kind of teaching method involves asking questions for deeper understanding?

The Socratic method is a teaching approach that emphasizes asking questions to stimulate critical thinking and draw out ideas and underlying presuppositions. This method, attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates, encourages dialogue between teacher and students, fostering an environment where students can explore complex concepts and develop their reasoning skills. By engaging students in this manner, the teacher guides them toward self-discovery and deeper understanding of the subject matter, rather than simply providing them with information. This method is particularly effective in subjects requiring analytical thinking, as it promotes a thorough examination of ideas through discussion and inquiry.

In contrast, other methods like direct teaching focus more on the teacher delivering information, demonstrative teaching involves showing how to perform tasks, and hands-on learning emphasizes physical engagement with the material. While each of these methods has its own strengths, the Socratic method's focus on questioning sets it apart as a unique approach aimed specifically at fostering deeper understanding.