A Model Example in Preschool Education: Socratic Method

According to the latest results of PISA which was conducted with the participation of 72 countries, Turkey is ranked as 52nd in Science literacy, 52nd in Mathematics literacy, and 50th in reading literacy. Additionally, based... [ view full abstract ]

According to the latest results of PISA which was conducted with the participation of 72 countries, Turkey is ranked as 52^nd in Science literacy, 52^nd in Mathematics literacy, and 50^th in reading literacy. Additionally, based on these results, students cannot perform better than determining simple causal and relational links; incorporating basic transactions, formulas, and familiar rules; and making interpretations without going beyond the visible. Along with many factors that may have resulted in this situation, the quality of learning process is also considered as important. It is thought as essential in solving this problem to explore how the learning process is constructed in preschool education which is the first institution where education life starts. It is necessary to transfer the preschool children’s already present potentials such as curiosity, asking questions, and internal motivation into the learning process. In preschool education; brain-based, cooperative, problem-based, and project-based learning models are preferred as well as based on these models such methods and techniques as problem-solving, discussion, question and answer, brainstorm, and dramatization are utilized. Socratic Method is considered as an alternative to these methods. Constructive approach and active learning-based Socratic Method including techniques such as question and answer, brainstorming, and discussion is considered as an effective method for improving the thinking skills of children such as questioning and problem solving skills through directed questions in the process of learning. Therefore in this review article Socratic Method was introduced and the ways of using Socratic Method in education was discussed through a comprehensive review of the related literature. In addition to this, authentic activity examples on how to use this method in preschool education were presented as well. It is considered that Socratic Method can be an effective and good example if used properly in the process of gaining higher-order thinking skills.