Implementing the Socratic Method with AI: Opportunities and Challenges of Integrating ChatGPT into Teaching Pedagogy

More than 2.,400 years ago, the Greek philosopher Socrates invented an original method of understanding new concepts based on dialogues with his students. This method has been used by teachers to this day. With the launch of ChatGPT in 2022, the usage of AI by teachers and students has expanded dramatically; however, there is lack of research on how can the Socratic method be implemented with AI; and what are the possible opportunities and challenges. Accordingly, this study explores how current AI-based technology can be used to implement Socratic method in a teaching pedagogy. By reviewing existing literature in the field, and employing a pilot-teaching case study approach, this research attempts to: a) define the Socratic Method in the context of AI technology, b) evaluate results of a pilot-study exercise performed through ChatGPT, c) compare between the Socratic dialogue conducted by a teacher and the one generated by an AI, and d) make revelations about the lessons learned, potential opportunities and challenges. The results presented in this study can be useful in informing future large-scale research, and guidelines for implementing the Socratic method with AI in a teaching pedagogy.