Question-Answer Method of Teaching

The question-answer method was also very popular method of teaching in ancient period. This teaching method was basically developed in Brahmanic period. It was a very scientific method of teaching. Through this method the teaching doubts had to be cleared through question, cross question and answer method. In this method metaphysical and spiritual facts were explained in a very fascinating manner by employing all the available materials viz Illustration, Stories, and Parables^[1]. In this method the teacher asked question to his students and the students were also encouraged to asked question about their doubts. At the very beginning or at the end of the instructions, the students generally used this method of teaching. The teacher illustrated all the words and accent of the text. Like if the teacher pronounced one word or two, first the pupil repeated the first word, after that they memorized all the text. If the student had faced any problem then he asked question and the teacher also explained to him all the doubts with the help of stories and parables. The Brāhmaṇa text uses the technical term of this method such as Prasnin, Abhiprasnin, and Prasna Viveka. While the student was unable to understand the meaning of the subjects, then for better understanding he used this method of teaching. Because the Ṛgveda^[2] clearly indicates that understanding of the meaning of the subject is necessary. If the person does not realize the meaning of the subjects or if he recites only the Ṛk of Akṣara of the subjects then his knowledge is like a dry wood or ashes, which can never blaze. In the Keno Upaniṣad^[3] we find that curious disciple asks question about his doubts and teacher explains all the doubts of his disciple through the question answer method. The Upaniṣads also fall in to the form of dialogue which shows that method of teaching in those days was catechetical.

The dialogue between Śvetaketu and the king Pravāhaṇa Jaivalis, the conversation between Sanat Kumāra and Nārada and the dialogue between Yājñavalkya and Maitreyi^[4] clearly indicate that this method of teaching was very popular during those days. In the Mahābhārata specially in the Śhānti parva this method of teaching was resorted. In the Śhānti parva^[5] we find that Yājñavalkya imparted the knowledge of Jibātmā and Paramātmā to Viśvābasu through the question answer method. Like that in the Yudhistiras court^[6], Devaṛṣi Nārada also discussed different types of education through this method.

This teaching method also played great role in Buddha’s teaching. During those days the student would approach the teacher with question and the teacher give all the answer with sufficient attention. The teachers also appealed to each and every student that they asked question about their doubts freely. That is why Hiuen Tsang mentioned that in Buddhist teaching, the question answer method was so common that the day was not sufficient for asking and answering profound question. Like that the question of Milindapañha^[7] also clearly indicates that this method of teaching was usual rule of Buddhas teaching.