1. Socratic Method
The Socratic method of teaching is based on Socrates' theory that it is more important to enable students to think for themselves than to merely fill their heads with "right" answers. Therefore, he regularly engaged his pupils in dialogues by responding to their questions with questions, instead of answers. This process encourages divergent thinking rather than convergent.

2. Socratic Seminars
In their truest form, Socratic Seminars involve open verbal discourse and inquiry on a text. However, in this class, our seminars, will take different forms. Some will have topics; some will have questions; some will be fully free-form. Some will be in written rather than verbal form (Boardtalk).
In ALL cases, students will be the only participants, and must maintain a thoughtful and respectful dialogue with each other. Students are expected to converse with each other, posing questions, using textual support, and respectfully agreeing and disagreeing.

3. Scoring Categories & Weight
Makes a clear analytical point (x2)
Relevant Comment/Response (x1)
Use of Text/Specific Evidence (x2)
Asks Insightful Question (x1)
Invites Others to Participate (x.5)
Facilitates (x.5)

4. Scoring Process There is a 3 point scale for comments: = 3 =2 ▌= 1
= 3 =2 ▌= 1
A raw score is then determined by multiplying the point scale with the category weight.
This raw score has no meaning until converted to a percentage.
The final grades are determined by natural breaks in the raw score.
There is no set number of As Bs, etc that a seminar group can receive.
Technically everyone in a group could receive an A.
It is important to note that a 1 pt. raw score is 60%.