Introduction to Socratic Seminars Ms. Catsos World History

What does Socratic mean? Socrates lived in Athens from 470 to 399 BC He was a philosopher and teacher who believed the best way to attain knowledge was through dialogue

What was the Socratic method? Socrates believed that it was more important to enable students to think for themselves than to merely fill their heads with "right" answers. He used to lounge around the marketplace of Athens, asking fellow citizens about their beliefs. He would ask students a series of questions and challenge their answers.

“The unexamined life is not worth living.” -Socrates What do you think this quote means?

What happened to Socrates? Many Athenians thought his questions threatened accepted traditions. At age 70, he was accused of corrupting the city’s youth and was forced to drink poison. Most of what we know about Socrates comes from his most famous student, Plato.

So, what is a Socratic Seminar? A Socratic seminar is a discussion about a common text. We review the text carefully and come up with discussion questions about it. Students divide into two groups and take turns in the inner and outer circle.

Inner circle, outer circle The inner circle has a dialogue about the text and tries to fully understand it while the outer circle listens. After about 20 minutes, the groups switch.

Guidelines for Socratic Seminar 1. Refer to the text often during the discussion. 2. It's OK to "pass" when asked to contribute. 3. Do not stay confused; ask for clarification. 4. Stick to the point currently under discussion; make notes about ideas you want to come back to. 5. You don't need to raise hands; take turns speaking. 6. Listen carefully and make sure everyone gets to talk. 7. Speak up so that all can hear you. 8. Talk to each other, not just to the leader or teacher.

Possible Questions to Ask Here is my view and how I arrived at it. How does it sound to you? Were you surprised when _______________________? What would you do (or say) if you were __________________? What is the main idea of this text? If _____________ were writing (composing, painting, etc.) today, what would be different about this work? What does the term _______________________ mean? How does this idea connect to ___________________________? (Refer to another passage in the text or to another text.) I don’t understand ____________________. What do you think about ___________________? How does ________________ relate to your life? ________________ reminds me of _______________.

How will I be graded? Each student in the A group will be assigned a partner in the B group. Whoever is in the outer circle will observe their partner and grade them. Record a check for each time your partner contributed in a meaningful way.

Socratic Seminar Rubric On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest, how well did your partner do at the following? Analysis and Reasoning Did your partner…. Cite reasons and evidence for his/her statements with support from the text? Demonstrate that they had given thoughtful consideration to the topic? Provide relevant and insightful comments? Demonstrate organized thinking? Move the discussion to a deeper level?

Socratic Seminar Rubric On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest, how well did your partner do at the following? Discussion Skills Did your partner… Speak loudly and clearly? Stay on topic? Talk directly to other students rather than the teacher? Stay focused on the discussion? Invite other people into the discussion? Share air time equally with others (didn’t talk more than was fair to others)?

Socratic Seminar Rubric On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest, how well did your partner do at the following? Respect Did your partner… Listen to others respectfully? Enter the discussion in a polite manner? Avoid inappropriate language (slang, swearing)? Avoid hostile exchanges? Question others in a civil manner?

Today’s Text: Crito by Plato “Crito” describes the final night of Socrates’ life. Socrates tells his friend Crito why he is refusing to go against the legal ruling of Athens and accepts his death. This has become known as the “social contract” between a government and its citizens.