Socratic teaching is widely acknowledged as the oldest and most powerful teaching tactic for fostering critical thinking. It is also the only classic method of teaching that was designed to create genuinely autonomous thinkers. Socrates is regarded as the father of ethics or moral philosophy. The focus of the Socratic method is on providing students with questions, not just giving answers. Socratic teaching involves asking a series of questions surrounding a central issue to test logic and fact, and answering the questions of others involved, so that a person or group can discover their true beliefs about a given topic, explore their definitions and seek to determine their general characteristics.

We use the Socratic method to enhance the learning experience of our students as it creates a classroom environment where we are able to tap into the collective knowledge, experience, perspectives and opinions of our students and faculty. The result of this is what we refer to as the 'triangular exchange of knowledge' from teacher to student, student to teacher and student to student.

We encourage all of our students to actively participate in class by challenging convention, opening dialogue and discussing and debating, as ultimately this will translate into a richer learning experience for all.

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The Learning Process

All programs at MGSM are taught at the MBA level and combine a range of teaching formats to assist in creating a richer learning experience. These include:

• Formal lectures
• Case studies
• Syndicate group work
• Computer simulations
• Research assignments
• Guest presentations
• Role plays
• Class discussion
• Site visits

The learning process is structured in a way that enables students at MGSM to develop a strategic management perspective and acquire skills that can be applied both locally and internationally, while gaining a sound understanding of global business issues and strategies for success.

The Socratic method, combined with workplace related learning and leading-edge management theory, ensures that you can immediately apply your knowledge and skills acquired during your time at MGSM.

There are also several unique options and initiatives such as international study tours, internships and business community programs that will further enhance your learning experience.

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Face-to-face Classes

MGSM believes that the face-to-face teaching mode is a key component in providing the highest quality education and the ideal way to facilitate the exchange of ideas, perspectives and opinions.

'Face-to-face' means that all classes are conducted by a faculty member on campus, not online, not partially online or via any other mode. At MGSM, faculty members conduct the face-to-face classes, not facilitators, course leaders or tutors. It is this combination that ensures higher quality learning.

During class, students have the opportunity to not only learn from the faculty member, but also from their fellow students. Classes are interactive, debate is rigorous and course structures and content are developed to be realistic and immediately applicable.

Unlike some alternative programs, MGSM's classes do not consist of reading through a set of standardised, pre-supplied course materials and using class time purely for tutors to answer questions on content that students have not understood. Nor come exam time, do we test you on how well you have rote learnt your pre-supplied course materials exclusively. We will examine you on the principles taught and your capacity to apply them, not on the memorisation of facts which rapidly date.

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Practical Programs

MGSM will not dictate pure theory to you, nor will we make you read an entire textbook from cover to cover and then examine you on it.

MGSM aims to strike a balance between academic rigor and practicality and not solely sit at either end of the spectrum.

The contemporary, practical and relevant content of all MGSM programs ensures you will benefit from being able to immediately apply what you have learnt and that as a result, your credibility will start to increase from the moment you begin studying with us.

Through the use of work-related projects, focusing on an issue within your own or a chosen organisation, the transfer of learning is enhanced and students can link their study at MGSM to real business situations. To assist in demonstrating practical application in the workplace, MGSM also selects a variety of industry leaders as guest speakers.

In addition, MGSM provides the opportunity for students, as part of their syndicate group work, to work on real issues, tasks and problems that have been submitted by organisations via MGSM's business community programs and initiatives.

Students also have the opportunity to undertake a 10-week project in an organisation in the form of an internship.

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Experiential Learning Workshops

If you would like an opportunity to experience first-hand and familiarise yourself with the MGSM learning style and class environment, MGSM offers Experiential Learning Workshops.

These workshops are two-hour simulations of an MGSM class, conducted by an MGSM faculty member.

Each intake, a scholarship for one unit of the MBA will be awarded to one candidate who:*

• attends an Experiential Learning Workshop;
• submits an application for an MGSM program; and
• submits the appropriate completed scholarship application form.

At each workshop, a scholarship application form will be issued to each attendee.

To register for an Experiential Learning Workshop, click here. 

* Single Unit applicants are not eligible for the scholarship.

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