1. Our Class Expectations
Socratic Seminars:
Our Class Expectations

2. Preparing for Socratic Seminars
Read the text closely
notes, highlighting, sticky notes, margin notes
Formulate your opinion on the question
Find evidence from the text that supports your opinion.
Prepare a few questions for the discussion
Read the text closely (notes, highlighting, sticky notes, margin notes)
Formulate an opinion on the question.
Optional: device to determine opinion – spectrum, peoplegraph, etc.
Find evidence from the text that supports your opinion.
Prepare a few questions for the discussion
Consider preparing questions for people who have a different opinion than you do.

3. Socratic Seminar: Expectations
Fully explain your thoughts – don’t rush!
Everyone shares ideas and questions.
Be a respectful and active listener
Ask questions for clarification or to further your understanding
Reference the text, but don’t read from it
Use your discussion skills (body language, respectful interactions)
Respect the discussion structure
Take the time to fully explain your thoughts – each person is expected to share ideas and questions.
Be an respectful and active listener (avoid interruptions)
Ask questions for clarification or to further your understanding of what another person is saying
Reference the text when you’re talking (you can look at your stuff) but don’t read from it
Use your discussion skills (body language, respectful interactions,)
Respect the discussion structure your teacher has applied to the seminar.