The Financial Times’ global ranking of full-time MBA recently placed University of Virginia Darden School of Business as the top business school globally, up from the third rank in 2023. What separates Darden from most B-schools is its case-based learning method — in which instead of one-way lectures, the classroom becomes a discussion forum. “It’s called the Socratic method,” says Scott Beardsley, dean, University of Virginia Darden School of Business. In an interview with FE’s Vikram Chaudhary, he adds that soon classroom lectures could even be delivered by AI bots, and the Socratic method can ensure that actual learning is taking place. Excerpts:
What can Indian B-schools learn from the West?
Although I am not an authority on Western B-schools, what differentiates Darden is that we use the Socratic method, or case-driven teaching, in which we challenge our students to situate themselves within a business, educational or personal scenario, and find a solution to a problem.
It’s different from the lecture-based approach, as it brings real-life scenarios into the classroom. It puts students into the driver’s seat as they try and solve a business problem somebody else is facing. The faculty member is the one asking questions — bringing out the best in students.
It’s a pillar of the Darden approach. The only other B-school that uses this method is Harvard.
And what can the West learn from India?
I spent 26 years with McKinsey & Co, and travelled many times to India, where I learnt about new business models, ways of approaching business problems and solving them, and a lot of local innovation.
What is this Socratic method?
Pioneered in the ancient world, by Socrates and Aristotle, it’s discussion-based learning.
And what’s the Darden approach?
Students gain a perspective on fundamentals of business through rich case discussions facilitated by Darden’s faculty. Collaboration and teamwork are hallmarks of the Darden approach. Case method teaches you how to think through challenging decisions, and develop strong arguments — it teaches you to listen, to respond in the right way, to defend your argument, and it makes you a problem-solver and sharpens your communication skills.
Would you suggest Indian B-schools also use this method?
Some of them could already be using this method in the classroom.
India has opened itself to foreign universities. Would you set up a campus here?
Setting up a foreign campus depends on a university. For Darden, it doesn’t make sense to invest in physical infrastructure — we will instead partner with an Indian B-school and do student and faculty exchange.
Have you identified any local partners in India?
A lot of our faculty keeps travelling to India to deliver lectures. There is a lot of faculty exchange at personal level, but not enough at an institutional level. We are working on deepening our relationship with the Indian market through tie-ups with Indian educational institutions and industry partnerships.
