Establish the role of the student prior to using lessons built around Socratic questions. Developing clear parameters for classroom behavior during discussions can ensure that all students are given an equal opportunity to participate in discussions. Students may be expected to speak loudly and clearly so that the entire classroom can benefit from their answer. Avoiding interrupting others and giving concise answers may also be included in expectations.
Lessons guided by Socratic questioning are inherently dynamic in nature. The style of lesson can require extensive planning on the part of discussion facilitator in order to maintain a productive classroom environment. The Critical Thinking Community recommends drafting a list of terms which must be defined through a series of open questions. Though the gifted students may take the discussion in a variety of directions, establishing a beginning point and end point are crucial.
Facilitating Socratic questioning lessons for gifted students requires a high level of engagement, including active listening and quick thinking in order to keep the discussion on track. The facilitator must continually assess students' answers in respect to the intended direction of the classroom discussion. Keeping the lesson on-track requires continually composing questions, with attention to posing topics that are not outside the classroom's grasp. As a challenging task for gifted youth, high school students can be assigned the task of preparing and acting in a facilitator's role.
The use of Socratic questioning does not need to be limited to lessons for gifted students on the humanities. The Socratic method is most valuable in establishing the groundwork for studying more sciences more concretely. Design questions which can guide the students towards developing concrete definitions of scientific disciplines or the components of the scientific method. Socratic questioning cannot replace hands-on practice or testing, but it can also be used when working through science or math problems as a group. Discuss the required steps to reach the correct answer.