Socratic Seminars

What is a Socratic Seminar? A Socratic seminar is a way of teaching founded by the Greek philosopher Socrates. Socrates believed that enabling students to think for themselves was more important than filling their heads with “right answers.”

The Vision of Socratic Seminars Participants seek deeper understanding of complex ideas through rigorously thoughtful dialogue, rather than by memorizing bits of information. It is the teacher’s job to moderate the discussion instead of leading the discussion.

Why do we have Socratic Seminars Socratic Seminars help us engage a text in class. The thought process is when we work together to understand a text it will help everyone’s understanding.

What are Socratic Seminars? A close examination of a subject with interchange of opinions and ideas -especially when open and frank and seeking mutual understanding. Collective inquiry in which we suspend opinions, share openly and think creatively about difficult issues.

What are Socratic Seminars? A dialogue about a text that usually range from 30 to 50 minutes in length. An effective Socratic Seminar creates dialogue as opposed to debate. Dialogue is "an interchange of ideas especially when open and frank and seeking mutual understanding." It is a collective inquiry in which we suspend opinions, share openly, and think creatively about difficult issues.

What is the Difference between Dialogue & Debate?! Debate Dialogue Is oppositional One listens to counter arguments. Affirms participant's points of view. Defends assumptions as truth Creates a close-minded attitude Is collaborative One listens to find common ground Enlarges points of view Reveals assumptions for re-evaluation Creates an open-minded attitude

What is the Difference between Dialogue & Debate?! Debate Dialogue Expects other’s reflections will improve their own thinking Temporarily suspending one's beliefs Searches for strengths Respects others and seeks not to alienate Assumes that cooperation can lead to greater understanding Remains open-ended Defends thinking to show that it is right. Calls for investing in one's beliefs. One searches for weaknesses Rebuts contrary positions and may belittle others Debate assumes a single right answer Demands a conclusion

The 4 Elements of the Socratic Seminar An effective seminar consists of four interdependent elements: 1. the text being considered 2. the questions raised 3. the seminar leader, and 4. the participants

The Text Socratic Seminar texts are chosen for their richness in ideas, issues, and values, and their ability to stimulate extended, thoughtful dialogue.

The Questions Opening question has no right answer. An effective opening question leads participants back to the text as they speculate, evaluate, define, and clarify the issues involved. Responses to the opening question generate new questions The line of inquiry evolves on the spot rather than being predetermined by the leader.

The Leader Plays a dual role as leader and participant Helps participants clarify their positions. Consciously leads a thoughtful exploration of the ideas in the text. Involves reluctant participants while restraining vocal students. As a seminar participant, actively engages in the group's exploration of the text. Helps participants explore new interpretations.

The Participants Share responsibility for the quality of the seminar. Most effective when participants: Study the text closely in advance Listen actively Share their ideas and questions in response to others Search for evidence in the text to support their ideas

How do we prepare for a Socratic Seminar? The day prior to the seminar you will be given a Socratic Seminar prep sheet. Your job is to complete steps 1 – 4 for homework. It is essential you read the text and prepare yourself with important questions and quotations.

What type of questions should I ask during the seminar? There are three levels of questions. You should come up with a minimum of 1 question per level.

Level 1 (Knowledge Questions): Knowledge means being able to show understanding by talking, writing, signing, drawing. Please use the following stems in creating your Knowledge Questions: Can you state, in your own words? Can you describe? Can you defend your position? Can you summarize the information?

Level 2 (Application Questions): Application means supporting your ideas with evidence. Please use the following stems in creating your Application Questions: Explain how … Explain why … Interpret the reasons … Compare and contrast … Connect and explain …

Level 3 (Synthesis Questions): Synthesis means combining or connecting two different elements. In terms of the Socratic Seminar you will be connecting two texts with each other OR connecting a text to the outside world.

Level III (Synthesis Questions) Continued Please use the following stems in creating your Synthesis Questions: Imagine … What would happen if …? Hypothesize … Theorize … Speculate… How is Text similar to Outside World?

What will the seminar look like? The classroom will be arranged in an inner and outer circle. You will be assigned to either the inner or outer circle. You will be assigned a partner in the opposite seminar. Inner circle = active participants Outer circle = students observe partner for: New ideas – Positive comments Question asked – Negative Behavior Referred to text – Side conversations

What’s the deal with partners? If I am in the outer circle, I will be sitting in the outside circle taking notes for my partner who is in the inner circle actively participating in the seminar. Then we will switch. I will participate in the seminar and my partner will take notes for me. We will be switching notes at the end of each seminar to be used for Step 5 of the Socratic Seminar Prep Sheet.

How will I be graded on the seminar? By completing the seminar prep sheet. (30 pts). By contributing to the conversation following these guidelines: Ask a question. Respond to a question. Cite evidence from the text. All three requirements: 30 points. Two requirements: 20 points. 1 requirement: 10 points. No requirements: 0 points.

How does the discussion work in a seminar? The seminar is to serve as a discussion, not a lecture. Just like in a casual conversation, no one begins the conversation, a conversation begins naturally.

Seminar Guidelines Please listen and look at each other when you speak. One person speaks at a time. Each person will have a chance to ask a question. Respond to the person who asks the question. Use evidence from the text to support yourself. Always treat each other with mutual respect.