Teaching Psychology and the Socratic Method: Real Knowledge in a Virtual Age

“James J. Dillon argues that we need to focus more on helping students learn how to think and less on content that they are likely to forget anyway. … Dillon’s purpose is to present a unique plan for integrating the Socratic method into a psychology course. … I recommend that psychology faculty read Teaching Psychology and the Socratic Method. It is likely to stimulate some thought about how best to stimulate thought in our students.” (David S. Kreiner, PsycCRITIQUES, Vol. 62 (14), April, 2017)

“This book could not have come at a more crucial time.  Against the glut of information, Dr. Dillon gently reminds us all that teaching’s true purpose is wisdom and wisdom requires a real teacher and an intimate community of learners.  Through the example of Socrates himself and his dialogues―each one skillfully applied to a contemporary psychological issue―Dr.  Dillon deftly guides teachers toward their most important vocation:  facilitating students’ critical thinking and deep learning.” (Jeffrey Reber, Associate Professor of Psychology, University of West Georgia, USA, and co-author of “Critical thinking about psychology: Hidden assumptions and plausible alternatives”)

This book presents a lively and accessible way to use the ancient figure of Socrates to teach modern psychology that avoids the didactic lecture and sterile textbook.  In the online age, is a living teacher even needed?  What can college students learn face-to-face from a teacher they cannot learn anywhere else?  The answer is what most teachers already seek to do: help students think critically, clearly define concepts, logically reason from premises to conclusions, engage in thoughtful and persuasive communication, and actively engage the franchise of democratic citizenship.  But achieving these outcomes requires an intimate, interpersonal learning community.  This book presents a plan for using the ancient figure of Socrates and his Method to realize humane learning outcomes in the context of psychology.   

James J. Dillon is a psychologist and Professor at the University of West Georgia, USA.  He specializes in the study of learning and development.  He has coordinated many special learning communities for college students.  In addition to his research and university teaching, Dr. Dillon is a certified public elementary school teacher.