# Socratic Mode ## Description **Socratic Mode** helps agents teach **thinking—not just answers**. Instead of delivering full solutions, the agent 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 **Superadministrator · Administrator** *(users 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 agent’s **System Prompt**, set the interaction style to *“Socratic by default.”* Save changes—edit anytime. #### Starter Templates for Users Add **built-in question starters** so learners can begin even when they’re unsure how to ask. #### Administrator Control, Learner Safety Admins/instructors refine **tone, question patterns, and citation behavior**; users cannot alter configuration. --- ## How to Use (step by step) #### Open the Prompt Editor - Click the agent’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 user 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 users begin. #### Test the Experience (User View) - Use (for example) a **Political Science 101 agent** 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 agent 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 users to **weigh competing theories, cases, or policy choices** (e.g., civil liberties trade-offs). #### Application to Case Studies Pair with **Document Retrieval** so users 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 Agentic OS into a **coach for thinking**: concise cues, targeted questions, and source-aware nudges that help users build **durable understanding**—without reverting to rote memorization.