The Socratic Way and Adult Learning

Adult learning experiences seem to be influenced by the activity of self-direction on the part of their learners. Adult learners come to educational encounters motivated and possessing a strong sense of self and learning objectives. However, other educational experiences require teachers of adults to assist in the development of self-directed learning (SDL) in their learners. This chapter explores the possibility of how Leonard Nelson's theories concerning the Socratic method can initiate the possibility of SDL (self-teaching) in adult learners.