Law Students

The Socratic Method Myth

By Ms. JD

Ed. Note: This summer, Ms. JD solicited law school myths from law students across the country.  Many students discussed the Socratic method, most agreeing that it isn?t as bad as the myths indicate.

Aileen McGill, University of Pennsylvania Law School, writes:

Before law school, I was certain the Socratic method had two functions: intimidation and embarrassment.  Every student, I thought, would be looking at me to misstate a case holding, and the professor would eagerly await a misstep to inform me of my intellectual inferiority. Thus, the first time I heard, ?Ms. McGill!? shouted from the front of the classroom?in a tone that only law school professors and angry parents can verbalize?I was beyond terrified.  A girl I barely knew sitting next to me recognized my unease, and subtly turned her notebook towards me to help out.  I was able to answer the question without her notes and, after a calm discussion about the case, the professor complimented me on my preparedness and my comprehension of a difficult concept.

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Full post as published by Ms. JD on August 09, 2008 (boomark / email).