A. A. Encouraging independent research by students
B. B. Providing hands-on experiences for students
C. C. Fostering critical thinking through questioning
D. D. Using multimedia resources in teaching
Correct answer is: C. C. Fostering critical thinking through questioning
That's correct! The primary goal of the Socratic method is indeed C) Fostering critical thinking through questioning.Here's a breakdown of why this is the most fitting option:A. Encouraging independent research by students: While the Socratic method can lead students to explore topics further on their own, it's not the central focus.B. Providing hands-on experiences for students: The Socratic method is primarily a discussion-based approach, not focused on hands-on activities.D. Using multimedia resources in teaching: The Socratic method emphasizes the power of dialogue and questioning, not multimedia tools.The core of the Socratic method lies in a series of well-crafted questions posed by the teacher (or facilitator) that challenge students' assumptions and guide them towards deeper understanding. Through this questioning process, students:Analyze information: They break down ideas into parts and examine the relationships between them.Evaluate arguments: They assess the strength and validity of evidence presented.Develop logical reasoning: They learn to construct sound arguments based on evidence and reasoning.Articulate their thoughts: They learn to clearly communicate their ideas and reasoning.By grappling with these questions, students become more critical thinkers, capable of independent thought and analysis.