|
|||||
Related Links  Teacher Assignments Teacher Entries
|
 Socrates, Pedagogy and the Importance of Character Educators need to possess the ability to intellectually challenge (numb) their students. They should also possess the necessary tools for this endeavor. Indeed, instructional technology, inquiry-based teaching, group work, class seminars--often referred to as Socratic seminars, class debates, independent work, etc., are vital programs our teachers must be knowledgeable about. They must always see that the acquisition of knowledge is a lifelong process, and that their students are on an intellectual and ethical journey. Along with the noble goal of challenging students academically, comes the realization that the educator must allow the student to learn. Looking once again at Martin Heidegger (1889-1976), the noted German philosopher whose philosophical quest was to uncover the truth about ‘Being’, once remarked that “Teaching is more difficult than learning because what teaching calls for is this: to let learn.” Through a course of study students must “submit themselves to the demands and rigor of thinking” and the teacher must allow the student to become an independent thinker. This “independent thinking” can be looked at as the student delving into unknown territory. Meno once thought that he knew what ‘virtue’ was, but after listening to Socrates, he realized that he was unaware of the true definition. For me, this is an important start to the student’s educational experience. Lastly, and most importantly, I consider the ethical journey of the student to be a vital part of his education. Indeed, I have said to faculty members countless times that we, as educators, need to promote character and academic achievement in a structured and nurturing environment. Furthermore, I support Thomas Lickona’s admonition that we need to “Teach as if Justice Matters”. In his important book CHARACTER MATTERS, Lickona argues that teachers must inform students about the problems facing the world, and even though they cannot solve these problems, they can inspire students to incrementally work for justice. School leaders should always strive to create schools where the teaching of character is at the forefront of the school’s mission. Article posted March 3, 2010 at 10:52 AM • comment (2) • Reads 1433 • Return to Blog List Add a CommentPosted Comments  I agree that it is harder to teach than to learn. And you set a high, though important, standard for your educators to try to teach in a way promotes independent thought and character. Many might think the two are contradictory--that teaching character and virtue is a type of indoctrination that inhibits independent thought. But as you pointed out, it is through discussion on such topics as virtue in reference to our subjects that promotes personal reflection (hence independent thought).
Comment Posted on May 3, 2010 at 05:48 PM by
CassieI love your blog! I discovered it last fall and have been a faithful reader ever since! Keep it up!
Comment Posted on April 14, 2010 at 10:25 PM by
samantha hutchison |
My Classes & Students About the Blogger I am the Dean of Academics at a private military school in central Missouri called Missouri Military Academy. Latest 10 Comments:  
|
|||