SOCRATIC SEMINAR Where questions, not answers, are the driving force in thinking.

What does Socratic mean? Socratic comes from the name Socrates ( BC), who was a classical Greek philosopher. Socrates ( BC), Socratic comes from the name Socrates ( BC), who was a classical Greek philosopher. Socrates ( BC),

Socrates’ Theory of Knowledge Best way to attain knowledge was through the practice of disciplined conversation and questioning

What is a Socratic Seminar?Socratic Seminar a method that aims to create understanding through an in-class dialogue based on a specific text. No clear right or wrong answers GOALS: 1.Seek deeper understanding of ideas/issues through dialogue, not debate 2.Enable students to think for themselves BASED ON VIDEO, WHAT DO YOU THINK THE 4 ELEMENTS OF SOCRATIC SEMINARS ARE?

What is the difference between dialogue and debate? Complete your Venn Diagram or T-chart on dialogue and debate for out Activity.

What is dialogue? 1. Collaborative 2. About understanding 3. Listening for deeper meaning 4. Re-evaluating assumptions 5. Keeping an open mind 6. About temporarily suspending beliefs 7. Searching for strength or validity in all ideas 8. About respecting all participants 9. Exploring different possibilities 10. Open-ended

What is debate? 1. Oppositional 2. About proving others wrong 3. Listening for flaws 4. Defending assumptions 5. Close-minded 6. About defending beliefs 7. Searching for weaknesses in ideas 8. About belittling or demeaning others 9. Having one right answer 10. Demands a conclusion

Use a piece of blank paper to create your own “Piece of the Pie” foldable. 1. The Text2. The Question 3. The LeaderT 4. The Participants 4 Elements of Socratic Seminars

The TEXT Stimulate thoughtful dialogue. Raises important questions for which there are no right or wrong answers. Participants must support their responses by referring back to the text.

The QUESTION A Socratic Seminar opens with a question posed by the leader or participants. No right answer and leads participants back to the text. Responses to the opening question generate new questions, leading to new responses

The LEADER Ask follow-up questions Help participants clarify their positions Help participants work cooperatively, not competitively Involve reluctant participants and restrain more vocal participants Ask follow-up questions Lead participants to use the text to support their responses

The PARTICIPANTS Study the text closely in advance Listen actively Share ideas and questions in response to other participants Search for evidence in the text to support their ideas

How are participants graded? POSITIVE –1. speak in the discussion –2. refer to the text –3. ask a new question –4. respond to another speaker –5. move the conversation forward with a new idea –6. demonstrate patience with others’ opinions –7. make connections to other speakers –8. ask for clarification when needed NEGATIVE –9. interrupt another speaker –10. engage in side conversation –11. lean toward debate, not dialogue –12. judge others’ ideas –13. are disruptive or argumentative –14. stray from the topic Not evaluated based on giving “right” answers or judged based on their opinions. Participants are evaluated based on each time they…

What is inner/outer circle method? This is a method in which some students are the participants in the inner circle and some students are observers in the outer circle. It is not a chance for shy students to get out of participating in Socratic Seminar. It is an opportunity for students to observe the behaviors of participants to learn from their observations and an opportunity for students to receive feedback about their participation. All students will have a chance to be in both roles.