U of Texas Law Dean Calls for Socratic Teaching to Combat AI
U of Texas Law Dean Calls for Socratic Teaching to Combat AI
Publish Date: 2026-06-26 03:01:00
Source Domain: www.insidehighered.com
- Socratic Mode Emphasis: The dean of the University of Texas at Austin School of Law has urged faculty to adopt a Socratic mode of instruction to better support in-class dialogue and learning amidst the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI).
- AI as a Threat to Essential Skills: Dean Bobby Chesney believes that AI may threaten students’ ability to develop essential legal skills, arguing that classroom dialogue should prioritize human interaction over reliance on AI tools.
- Integrity of Assessments: The memo outlines a strategy to preserve the integrity of assessments by ensuring students develop foundational learning skills without relying on AI to complete course materials and assignments.
- AI Knowledge and Skills: The law school is focusing on determining what specific AI knowledge and skills students should acquire, balancing traditional legal training with AI upskilling.
- National Trend: The memo reflects a broader trend where law schools are increasingly incorporating AI education into their curricula, with nearly all considering updates to include AI-related learning opportunities.
- Law School Response: As of 2024, 62 percent of law schools have introduced formal AI learning opportunities in their first-year curriculum, while 93 percent are contemplating such updates.
- Faculty Consultation: There is no public record indicating whether Dean Chesney consulted faculty and staff before issuing the memo or on their subsequent response to the new approach toward AI.
