What are socratic seminars?
Socratic seminars are named after Greek philosopher Socrates who believed in the power of inquiry --posing questions to lead to new thinking and knowledge. The purpose of a Socratic Seminar is to achieve deeper understanding of a text through an intimate class discussion. In these discussions, you pose questions, answer questions, refer back to the text, or comment on a peer's response. Through these discussions you create meaning, further your analysis, and actively participate in the seminar by listening and discussing.
Step #1:
1. Read the text your teacher assigns (short story, novel, article, poem etc). When you don't read, it makes it harder for you to participate (plus it is obvious to the teacher and your peers that you didn't read).
Step #2:
Come to class prepared by writing higher-level discussion questions for the text you are reading. Do not write literal questions. You want to write questions that will lead a discussion!
Step #3:
Participate in the seminar. You will either be a member of the outer group and will have to take Cornell Notes on the inner group's discussion OR you'll be part of the inner group and will pose questions, answer questions, refer to the text, or comment on a peer's response.
Step #4:
Reflect on your participation. There's always something you can improve on. Comment on your areas of strength and your next steps.
Step #1:
1. Read the text your teacher assigns (short story, novel, article, poem etc). When you don't read, it makes it harder for you to participate (plus it is obvious to the teacher and your peers that you didn't read).
Step #2:
Come to class prepared by writing higher-level discussion questions for the text you are reading. Do not write literal questions. You want to write questions that will lead a discussion!
Step #3:
Participate in the seminar. You will either be a member of the outer group and will have to take Cornell Notes on the inner group's discussion OR you'll be part of the inner group and will pose questions, answer questions, refer to the text, or comment on a peer's response.
Step #4:
Reflect on your participation. There's always something you can improve on. Comment on your areas of strength and your next steps.
Discussion norms:
This is a constructive discussion (NOT A DEBATE!) and it should remain positive at all times. We are a community of learners and we agree to the following:
- To respect our classmates.
- To listen carefully.
- To use academic language when talking.
- To address one another respectfully.
- To base any opinions on the text.
- To address comments to the group (not the teacher & no side conversations).
- To use sensitivity to take turns and not interrupt others.
- To monitor 'air time.'
- To be courageous in presenting my own thoughts and resigning, but also to be flexible and willing to change my mind in the face of new and compelling evidence.
During the seminar:
- Address your classmates, not the teacher (don't look at your teacher for approval).
- Speak loud enough for the inner group and outer group to hear you.
- Pose a question.
- If you don't hear someone's question, ask them to repeat it again.
- Relate statements to particular passages to clarify and to elaborate.
- If the conversation gets off track, refocus on the question or pose a new question.
- Monitor how many times you talk. Always think of the rule "Two before me" before speaking again. This rule helps ensure that everyone has a chance to participate.
