Hello Jackie and Heather,
As a relative newcomer to this list, I value everyone's input,
perspectives, and experience.  My job responsibilities just don't allow
me enough time for the research I would really love to do, and I don't
have a doctorate.  I am not likely to have the time to conduct an
intensive study into many of the topics I have a great interest in
pursuing.  
I don't know if most participants have advanced degrees, but for those
who may be like me--trying to balance time to learn while fulfilling a
demanding work load--I gain significant lessons from reading these
postings.  While realizing we only touch upon the tip of the iceburg at
times, this condensed information is valuable for keeping my mind open
to critical concepts, theories, and emerging policy in adult
professional development.  Additionally, it's helpful to feel "safe"
when sharing my thoughts or questions with others who will clearly have
greater expertise than I in specific areas.
 
Thanks to all for helping us grow in our own professional areas!
 
Sincerely,
  
 
Joyce Winters
Professional Development Specialist
NWRC/Owens Community College
PO Box 10,000
Toledo, Ohio 43699
567-661-7675
joyce_winters at owens.edu
 

>>> "Taylor, Jackie" <jataylor at utk.edu> 7/17/2008 10:54 PM >>>


Hello Heather,
I appreciate your calling this to our attention. My intention in
sharing the resources was not to suggest that Socrates and his work
could be encompassed within a Wikipedia definition and a sample list of
questions. Nor (for that matter) did I mean to suggest that Brookfield
and his work could be encompassed in workshop materials. My intention
always is to open the door for more sharing, critique, and further
investigation. And I think that’s what happens; at least that’s what I
see from over here.
 
But your point is well-taken and I am glad you raised it. I don’t think
we should ever get comfortable but instead always probe, put forth new
or better resources, share our perspectives, question and make meaning.

 
That said, did you object to the Wikipedia definition on Socratic
questioning? If so, what was wrong with it? For example, do you have
views on the source? Also, you said that:
 
“…if you truly want to understand Socratic dialogue, you can only go to
the source, Plato. Read a Socratic dialogue and let's discuss.”
 
I’d be glad to do that. Some other subscribers on the list may be
interested, too. Does one need to read Greek or are there translations
that are acceptable? If so, which ones? Also, could you suggest an order
of readings for novices (like me)?
 
As I mentioned earlier this week, I think it would be worthwhile to
explore techniques for facilitating dialogue and debate. Such discussion
would offer opportunities to practice the very skills while we learn
about them (and to me that sounds like fun!). But I wouldn’t think that
anyone is settling for less. I think I can safely say that we hunger for
more.
 
I look forward to learning what you (and others) think.
 
Thanks again, Jackie
 
Jackie Taylor 
jataylor at utk.edu 
 
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