Foundation of Socratic Seminars Socrates believed… empowering students to think for themselves was more important than filling their heads with the right answers. He taught through the Socratic method. Participants seek deeper understanding of complex ideas through prepared and thoughtful dialogue. Students explore and evaluate ideas, issues, and values related to a particular text. These critical thinking and dialogue skills are expected in many college classrooms.

Dialogue vs. Debate Dialogue is… Debate is… collaborative about understanding listening for a deeper meaning re-evaluating assumptions keeping an open mind about temporarily suspending beliefs searching for strength or validity in all ideas about respecting all participants exploring different possibilities open-ended oppositional about proving others wrong listening for flaws defending assumptions close-minded about defending beliefs searching for weaknesses in ideas about belittling or demeaning others having one right answer demanding a conclusion

Socratic Seminar Group Guidelines LISTEN No one else should speak while someone else is speaking. BUILD Speakers must try to build on what others say, not debate their views. REFER TO THE TEXT Speakers must refer directly to the section of the text from which their ideas come rather than making general comments, speculations, or observations.

What is the Teacher’s Role? Remind students of norms of discussion when necessary. Guide discussion when necessary. Clarify confusion when necessary. Keep track of and reward points for thoughtful and productive participation. Outline the main questions or ideas for each seminar.

Student Responsibilities for Socratic Seminar Be prepared for the seminar by completing all necessary preparation & reading. Direct the flow of the discussion within the seminar. Construct their own analysis of the text being discussed in the seminar. Utilize critical thinking, listening, and communicating skills. Respect and honor the opinions and voices of all other participants.

Socratic Seminar Norms Discussion should be natural and free-flowing – no raising hands. Students should lead discussion, and teacher should be an observer. Give time to honor and discuss all questions – no popcorn questions. Respect classmates’ opinions if they are different – it’s okay to respectfully disagree with someone. Always ground your questions and responses in the text – the goal of seminar is to better not only the human condition, but the important themes and literary aspects of the novel.

Graded Discussion Rubric:   Exceeds Expectations Meets Expectations Approaches Expectations Conduct & Listening -patient with differing opinions -asks for clarification -brings others into dialogue -focused on dialogue -respectful -comments, but does not attempt to involve others -generally focused -disrespectful -does not participate -unfocused (side conversations, etc.) Speaking -speaks to all participants (not just one or teacher) -takes a leadership role without dominating conversation -speaks to most participants -attempts to move on to new ideas too quickly -tends to ramble on after making a point -single word comments -monopolizes discussion -cannot hear or understand contribution Reasoning -cites relevant text -relates topic to background knowledge -makes connections between own thoughts and others’ -willing to take an alternate viewpoint -asks questions to further dialogue -makes limited connections to others’ ideas -some references to text -attempt to relate to previous knowledge -illogical comments -ignores the movement of the seminar

Real World Importance https://www.ted.com/talks/celeste_headlee_10_ways_to_have_a_better_c onversation You future (job, relationships, success) will depend on your successful ability to carry on a conversation. Socratic Seminars will hopefully help you learn how to listen and communicate with each other in an informed, respectful, and authentic way.