# Socratic Mode

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## Description

**Socratic Mode** helps mentors teach **thinking—not just answers**. Instead of delivering full solutions, mentorAI gives a concise nudge and follows up with guiding questions that drive **analysis, application, and comparison**.
It’s ideal for universities shifting away from rote memorization toward deeper **critical-thinking skills**.

## Target Audience

**Administrator · Instructor**
*(students benefit, but do not configure)*

## Features

#### Structured Replies by Design

Each response gives a **1–3 sentence high-leverage insight**, then **2–4 guiding questions** to push reasoning forward.

#### Source-Aware Prompts (Optional)

When paired with **Document Retrieval**, replies can cite the exact section/page (e.g., *“Intro to Political Science — Ch. 3, civil liberties”*) and offer hints or case studies from the text.

#### Simple Setup

In any mentor’s **System Prompt**, set the interaction style to *“Socratic by default.”* Save changes—edit anytime.

#### Starter Templates for Students

Add **built-in question starters** so learners can begin even when they’re unsure how to ask.

#### Instructor Control, Learner Safety

Admins/instructors refine **tone, question patterns, and citation behavior**; students cannot alter configuration.

## How to Use (step by step)

#### Open the Prompt Editor

- Click the mentor’s name → **Prompts → System Prompt**


#### Set the Socratic Style

Add language such as:

> Core interaction style is Socratic by default. In each reply, share a brief (1–3 sentence) high-level insight, then ask 2–4 guiding questions that prompt the student to reason, apply, compare, or connect concepts. Avoid full, exhaustive answers by default. Offer hints or case studies on request. Cite sources when available.


Click **Save**.

#### (Optional) Pair with Document Retrieval

Enable **Document Retrieval** so replies cite specific sections/pages and the **Source Panel** lists the documents used.

#### Add Starter Templates

In **Prompts**, create **Suggested/Guided starters** to help students begin.

#### Test the Experience (Student View)

- Use (for example) a **Political Science 101 mentor** trained on an OpenStax text
- Ask:
> “What factors impact civil liberties in democracies?”
- Expect a concise **1–3 sentence overview** plus guiding questions like:
  - How might changes in public opinion influence the protection of civil liberties?
  - In what ways can judicial decisions enhance or restrict civil liberties?
- If **Document Retrieval** is enabled, the reply may cite a specific chapter/section.


#### Continue with Follow-Ups

- Example:
> “Can you explain political legitimacy further?”
- The mentor again provides a **high-level nudge**, cites source(s) if enabled, and follows with **2–4 new guiding questions**


#### Iterate & Refine

- Adjust the **System Prompt wording, tone, or number of guiding questions** as you review outcomes in **History**


## Pedagogical Use Cases

#### Critical-Thinking Drills

Replace answer-dumping with **guided questioning** that elicits reasoning, evidence use, and counter-examples.

#### Compare/Contrast Exercises

Prompt students to **weigh competing theories, cases, or policy choices** (e.g., civil liberties trade-offs).

#### Application to Case Studies

Pair with **Document Retrieval** so students jump into a cited passage/case and **apply concepts to real examples**.

#### Formative Assessment Without Spoilers

Give **hints + questions** instead of full solutions; learners articulate steps and **self-correct**.

#### Writing & Argumentation

Use guiding questions to structure **thesis, evidence, and rebuttals** while avoiding over-scaffolding.

#### Across Disciplines

Works for:

- **Humanities** (interpretation/ethics)
- **Social Sciences** (institutions/legitimacy)
- **STEM** (conceptual understanding before computation)


**Socratic Mode** turns mentorAI into a **coach for thinking**: concise cues, targeted questions, and source-aware nudges that help students build **durable understanding**—without reverting to rote memorization.