The Socratic Method

As we have mentioned, law school is a different experience than undergrad - differences come in the way material is presented and how you’re supposed to learn it; the nature of class interactions and the Socratic method; how long it takes to read court cases and how much work there is to do; and especially the difference between the skills emphasized in class and the ones tested on exams. This blog, as well as the Academic Development Program, are here to help demystify this for you - we are here to help!

As for the Socratic Method, there are a million horror stories out there, but it is nothing to worry about - here is what is important to know: it is true that most law professors don’t lecture; they rely on the Socratic Method and ask questions for you to answer - only sometimes do professors actually give answers. Supplying the answers is your job because professors assume that you have done the reading, will learn the material, and put it all together in a way that’s meaningful to you. One of the professor’s goal is for you to learn to ask the same kinds of questions for yourself, and showing up prepared is the first step in the process.

So how do you get used to the Socratic Method, if anyone ever does?

It helps to realize that your professors are not trying to make you appear foolish in public but are trying to get you used to thinking on your feet. Also, they are trying to make you think in ways you may not have not done before. The best way to deal with this type of anxiety is to be prepared: try to anticipate the types of questions your professor might ask. Pay close attention to the notes that follow the cases in your casebook – these are ripe for the asking!