Become an Active Learner
The Platonic perspective on the active learner originates from Plato's doctrine of reminiscence, as elaborated in his dialogues, Meno and Phaedo. This doctrine posits that all learning is an act of recollecting knowledge that the soul has forgotten. Plato theorized that the soul existed before birth in a realm of perfect forms or ideas and had direct knowledge of these forms. Upon incarnation in a human body, the soul forgets this perfect knowledge. Thus, learning is the process of recollecting or remembering this forgotten knowledge, implying that all knowledge is latent within us and can be recalled through proper inquiry and reflection. The teacher's role, therefore, is not to impart new knowledge but to help the learner recall what they already intrinsically know.
Through questioning and dialogue, the teacher guides the learner to remember and realize the truths within them. In Meno, Plato illustrates this through Socrates' conversation with a slave boy, where Socrates, by asking a series of questions, leads the boy to discover geometric truths, suggesting the boy is recollecting knowledge his soul already possessed. This doctrine underscores the immortality and eternal nature of the soul and challenges the view that knowledge is solely acquired through sensory experience and empirical observation. It highlights the importance of introspection and inner reflection in the learning process.
In the context of education, the Platonic perspective promotes a learner-centered approach, aligning with modern educational practices that emphasize the active role of learners in constructing their understanding. Teachers act as facilitators who help students discover and articulate their inherent knowledge, employing methods like the Socratic method, where open-ended questioning aids in deep exploration and internalization of concepts. Learning is viewed as an active process of unlocking and rediscovering knowledge, with interaction and dialogue essential for learners to express and refine their understanding.
Learners contribute significantly to the learning environment by sharing their insights and perspectives, and the teacher's role is to facilitate discussions and create opportunities for learners to explore meaningful problems and ideas. This approach emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-directed learning activities, contrasting with the Lockean perspective of passive learners who rely on external sensory data and structured guidance. The Platonic perspective encourages collaborative learning, peer teaching, and reflective practices, fostering a more holistic and engaged learning experience.
Understanding the nature of subject matter in education involves exploring two philosophical extremes: amorphous and structured. Amorphous subject matter views learning as a collection of discrete, unconnected items, where each piece of information is considered equally important without emphasizing relationships or hierarchies. This approach emphasizes rote learning, focusing on memorization without understanding connections, and treating every item with equal significance. Teaching methods in this framework rely on repetitive drills and lack contextual learning, with assessments focusing on recall of discrete facts.
In contrast, structured subject matter sees knowledge as inherently organized with relationships among its components, inspired by Jerome Bruner's concept that understanding the natural structure of subject matter helps explain relationships and discover new information. This approach emphasizes hierarchical organization, conceptual frameworks, and discovery learning. Teaching methods focus on conceptual learning, contextual understanding, inquiry-based learning, and scaffolding, where teachers provide structured support to help students understand complex ideas.
Most educational practices blend these approaches, recognizing the importance of both memorization and understanding relationships, adapting teaching methods based on the subject matter and student needs. Practical applications include using flashcards and drills for memorization in the amorphous approach, and concept maps, exploratory learning, and project-based learning in the structured approach. Balancing cognitive and affective domains, teaching strategies emphasize knowledge acquisition, critical thinking, and connecting information to promote deeper understanding and application.
Link the the Class: https://youtu.be/DXQx3T_r10Q
Link for the PPT: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12aGtDQD9xER07qVxlRSGsEXJRRtboF0I/view?usp=sharing
Under teaching strategies we learn about Attitude awareness and Value Based Learning. Attitude awareness is very important coz by becoming aware of our attitude we will be able to achieve a lot. Then Value Based Learning is another area which is very crucial in education. It helps explore and identify our talents and skill and also helps to acquire values that are need in the society.
ReplyDeleteThe Platonic view of the active learner has really changed how I see learning. It's all about realizing that knowledge isn't just stuff we learn but something we rediscover within ourselves through asking questions and talking things out. It's made me appreciate how much we can learn by digging deeper and having meaningful conversations, both in education and in life.
ReplyDeleteBecoming an active learner involves engaging seriously with the material through questioning, discussion and application. Actively seek out additional resources, participate in group studies, and practice self-reflection on your understanding and progress.
ReplyDeleteThe mauetic or midwife method or Socratic method is a foundational method to build a critically thinking mind. This gets the pupil into the habit to reason and can lead one towards research and critical analysis of information.
ReplyDeleteVamshi....
ReplyDeleteIn any area of learning an individual chooses to remain as an active learner or passive participant. When there is a balance among the learning methods, one acquires theoretical and practical knowledge.
I appreciate the Platonic view of active learning. Our current education system often functions as a one-way communication mechanism, where teachers lecture and students passively listen. Adopting the Platonic approach would encourage students to think critically and engage in analysis. It is essential to stimulate our minds through thoughtful reflection and active inquiry.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I find that when I actively engage with what I'm learning—whether it's through asking questions, discussing concepts with others, or trying to apply knowledge in practical situations—I retain information better and gain a deeper understanding. Active learning also fosters curiosity and critical thinking, which are essential skills in today's rapidly changing world.
ReplyDeletePlato’s idea of reminiscence suggests that we already have knowledge within us, and learning is about remembering it through reflection and conversation. This approach matches modern education, which focuses on students actively participating in their learning. By combining both memorization and understanding concepts, education becomes more effective and meaningful.
ReplyDeleteThis segment of the study explores the various ways of active learning. Critical thinking, thinking out of the box at time thinking without even thinking about the box and at times sharing of students' perspective and his or her experiences makes the education more contextual. here I would like to mention the outreach programmes, village exposures of the Jesuit colleges and educational institutions are much appreciated and best examples for the active learning.
ReplyDeleteI value the Platonic perspective on engaging in learning actively. In the present education system, teachers typically deliver lectures while students listen passively, creating a one-way communication approach. Embracing the Platonic method aims to stimulate students' critical thinking and participation in analysis. Encouraging our minds through deep contemplation and engaged questioning is crucial.
ReplyDeleteSylvester Pariong
ReplyDeletePlato's idea that learning is about remembering what we already know deeply resonates with me. It shifts the focus from teaching facts to helping students discover their own knowledge. This makes education feel more meaningful and personal. I appreciate how it highlights the importance of questioning and dialogue, encouraging active involvement in learning. It aligns with modern education, which values critical thinking and active participation. Overall, this approach makes the learning process more engaging and collaborative, turning education into a journey of discovery rather than just memorizing information.
The nature of subject can play a crucial role in driving knowledge. Even though platonic view says it is through remembering we arrive to knowledge, we may not be able to fully comprehend certain things which required lockean method of understanding. We need both methods and need to complement both the methods depending on the nature of subject matter.
ReplyDeletePlato's doctrine of reminiscence suggests learning is the recollection of innate knowledge, emphasizing introspection, dialogue, and critical thinking, promoting a structured understanding of knowledge over rote memorization.
ReplyDeleteIt is high time for us to be critical of today's educational mode, particularly in the Indian context, where the Lockean method is predominant. I also feel that in our case here at Satya Nilayam, the focus is more on the amorphous mode of teaching and learning, without much emphasis on synthesizing various fields of philosophy and inter-disciplinary discussions and dialogues.
ReplyDeleteI learned that active learning is about rediscovering knowledge we already have as Plato suggested. Teachers help by asking questions and guiding discussions making learning more about exploring and reflecting.
ReplyDeleteThe Socratic method, also known as the maieutic method, helps students think critically by asking questions that make them think deeply. This approach encourages you to analyze and understand information better, which can lead to more research and thoughtful discussions. By practicing this method, we get better at solving problems and making decisions.
ReplyDeletePlato believed learning is about remembering knowledge the soul had before birth, and teachers should help students recall this through discussion. I feel that This promotes student-centered learning, where students explore and understand concepts with guidance. Most teaching combines both: memorization for basics and structured learning for deeper understanding, balancing thinking skills with emotional engagement.
ReplyDeleteIn the Platonic view, learning is about remembering knowledge we already have inside us. Teachers help by guiding students to rediscover and understand this knowledge through questioning and reflection.
ReplyDeletePlatonic method is still prevailing in various forms and activities such as group discussion, brain storming, problem solving and case studies etc. The system focuses on learner-centered which promotes critical thinking where teacher become facilitators. When we see today's media and internet taking over and becoming part and parcel of our day to day lives, it is essential to discern well and use them prudently and constructively as well. There requires raising questions and reflection in what we do and act.
ReplyDeleteIn order to inculcate active learning among the students the dialectical method is an important and essential method and tool that helps the students construct the inherent ideas and to foster understanding about the subject matter.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the Platonic perspective on the active learner resonates deeply with me. The idea that learning is a process of recollecting💡forgotten knowledge within us is fascinating. In today's teaching, this concept highlights the importance of guiding students to discover truths through inquiry and reflection rather than just imparting information. By fostering introspection and inner reflection, educators can help students tap into their innate knowledge. This approach encourages a deeper understanding and appreciation of the subjects studied. 🧠📚 #PlatonicPerspective #InquiryLearning
ReplyDeletePlato's doctrine of recollecting or remembering offers a fascinating perspective on learning, suggesting that knowledge is not acquired but recollected. I feel that this approach of Plato shifts the role of the teacher to that of a guide, which helps the students unlock the truths already within them through dialogue and inquiry or questioning. By emphasizing introspection and critical thinking, Plato's philosophy aligns with modern learner-centered approaches. Here students become an active learners in this approach. It encourages a more active, reflective process of education, fostering deeper understanding and self-directed learning.
ReplyDelete