While this particular conversation between Socrates and Euthydemus took place many centuries ago, many aspects of it continue to be useful in our modern day education system. In fact, with Minister Heng Swee Kiat (MOE, 2011) announcing that the priority in the years ahead for our education landscape to be on values and character development, I will present to you, in this essay, that these aspects are even more relevant today than ever.
Before we begin, I believe it is important to draw parallel between Euthydemus and some of the highly educated today. Euthydemus had collected many books and thought of himself to be more enlightened than anyone of his age even though he had a very restricted understanding of morality, as observed from the conversation. This is similar to the attitudes of the ‘Elites’ in our society who pride themselves in their …show more content…
First, students are given a short passage of text that they have to read critically, which forms the basis of the whole discussion. Next, in class, students sit in two circles, with one surrounding the other. The one inside will focus on discussing the text while the one outside will observe the conversation. After the inside circle has discussed the text at length, the outside circle will provide feedback on the quality of the discussion that took place and the group dynamics of the inside circle. After this, the students in the two circles switch roles and the process repeats itself once more (p.9). Copeland claims that this method helps develop students’ academic skills in critical thinking, creativity, critical reading, speaking, listening, writing and critical reflection and it even helps develop a lifelong love for reading. Furthermore, social skills like team-building skills, conflict resolution and community-building skills are also enhanced
Before we begin, I believe it is important to draw parallel between Euthydemus and some of the highly educated today. Euthydemus had collected many books and thought of himself to be more enlightened than anyone of his age even though he had a very restricted understanding of morality, as observed from the conversation. This is similar to the attitudes of the ‘Elites’ in our society who pride themselves in their …show more content…
First, students are given a short passage of text that they have to read critically, which forms the basis of the whole discussion. Next, in class, students sit in two circles, with one surrounding the other. The one inside will focus on discussing the text while the one outside will observe the conversation. After the inside circle has discussed the text at length, the outside circle will provide feedback on the quality of the discussion that took place and the group dynamics of the inside circle. After this, the students in the two circles switch roles and the process repeats itself once more (p.9). Copeland claims that this method helps develop students’ academic skills in critical thinking, creativity, critical reading, speaking, listening, writing and critical reflection and it even helps develop a lifelong love for reading. Furthermore, social skills like team-building skills, conflict resolution and community-building skills are also enhanced