2019 Annual Conference

Workforce Development, Continuing Education, and Professional Development

Concurrent Session (45 minutes)

The Socratic method has been an accepted instructional strategy in educational encounters, to include in adult educational contexts. This presentation explores a type of Socratic dialogue theorized by the philosopher, Leonard Nelson. It will be argued that a Nelsonian form of Socratic dialogue addresses the learning needs of today’s adults.

The target audience for this presentation includes scholar-practitioners of adult education and the Socratic method, adult trainers and educators, human resource trainers and directors, and instructors and staff members in higher education.

Learners will be introduced to the general literature concerning the Socratic method. Learners will then learn about the philosopher Leonard Nelson’s particular approach to the Socratic method, specifically encountering the “meta-dialogue” and the importance of applying real-world examples and vignettes as opposed to hypothetical situations as topics for Socratic discussion. Learners will then participate in a discussion that explores various ways a Nelsonian approach to the Socratic method can enhance teaching and learning in adult educational contexts.

Various dynamics in the educational and social landscape are occuring that make adult learning vitally important: the rise of the so-called “nontraditional student” in higher education; the continual changing or improving of careers; and adults enriching their personal lives through lifelong learning.  Therefore, it befits scholars and practitioners in the field of adult education to use instructional strategies that are meaningful and appropriate for adult learners. Therefore, the intent of this presentation is to offer Nelson's approach, which refines and enhances the Socratic method for adult teachers and learners.  Mastering this type of Socratic dialogue can also add to the emerging importance of professional development and adult development. 
     

The format and technique will be to present my thesis via a lecture (paper) and possibly powerpoint.  Throughout the presentation, questions and comments will be shared by me to elicit responses from the learners.  After the lecture, there will be a discussion and question and answer period.