The Socratic Method...what?!

So, to be honest, the Socratic Method in our readings a couple days ago did not stick out to me, like it did for some other students in class. When we began to dive into the Socratic Method, I was left thinking, "I remember reading those words, but what was it again?" So, unlike asking for clarification, like I should have, I stayed a little lost, and decided I would research it on my own for a blog post! First, I went to YouTube. I have found that YouTube has a lot of information in a quick and easy format. Although, I do try to be careful, because it can be an unreliable source at times. Here is a super brief and straight to the point video that I enjoyed:

One thing that I enjoyed about the video, was when he said that the Socratic Method can be used as a "teachable moment" throughout the day, even on the playground! Like we have talked about in class before, teachers can get so caught up with the plan THEY created, that they lose sight of the student-centered approach. If a student is on the playground, and they encounter a bug they have never seen before, why not facilitate a conversation with them? I have seen teachers during my own time in schools who are quick to "shoo away" students on the playground. "Go play with your friends..." How many times have I heard that one?! Don't we want our students to ask questions, wonder about nature or other things, and try to explore novel ideas? Whether it is on the playground, or in the middle of a math lesson, I believe that allowing students to investigate, question, and reason with each other is one of the most valuable teaching strategies teachers can encourage in the classroom.

Off topic a bit...but are standards to blame for this? I went to private school, so I have never taken a TCAP or experienced the teacher and student stress around standardized testing that is so present today. I have to wonder if all of this pressure is weighing on teachers, to the point that they are so worried about covering standards, prepping for a test, and creating long lesson plans for a TEAM evaluation, that they are ignoring the potential learning opportunities through deep and meaningful conversations in the classroom. Wouldn't it be so cool if for an entire school year, a teacher could listen to his or her students and their interests and curiosities and base the curriculum off of that? That's so not reality, and who knows what would happen, but it would be cool.

I wonder if around the world there are any schools that work in this way? Anyone know?