Online learning and socratic method in increasing self-motivation: A literature review

Independent students who are capable of learning by themselves are hard to find nowadays. Normally, most of the students would require some motivation to learn; either from their peers, teachers or parents. Self-motivation is an ability to do what needs to be done, without influence from other people or situations. Therefore, self-motivation plays a crucial role in the students' knowledge attainment and academic achievement. Hence, it can now be delivered through the use of technology, making learning more fun, addictive and faster knowledge acquirement for these students. We suggest the use of the Socratic Method as a form of providing self-motivation through the usage of an online platform. Meanwhile, through the Socratic Method of questioning, students will have to practice deep thinking which paves the way to the construction of a new knowledge and helps them generate more meaningful ideas and robust answers. The Socratic Method with online approach will also encourage the students to interact with other students; without the limitation of time or location. This concept paper will analyze previous studies that are related to the Socratic Method of learning and online learning; whilst looking at the impact of Socratic Method of learning and online learning in increasing students' self-motivation consequently encouraging independent learning among these students.

I. Introduction

It is natural for students in their early teens to eagerly learn new things from their surroundings due to their growing curiosity. This value can be either fostered or suppressed by teachers or educators. Teachers play great roles in helping students to become motivated, active and to think constructively. Motivation is known as one of the contributors of students' achievement [1]. Nowadays, educators should focus more on creating an active learning environment because this helps generate self-motivated students and increase achievements.