1. Tuesdays with Morrie Socratic Circle Seminar
Thursday, March 7th and Friday, March 6th

2. Agenda
SSR: Complete Weekly Reading Log and Turn In (20 minutes)
Book Talks (5-10 minutes)
Socratic Circle Introduction (10 minutes)
Individual Goal Setting and Focus (2-3 minutes)
Discussion 1: Round One--Coaching--Round Two
Discussion 2: Round One--Coaching--Round Two
Complete Reflection with your Seminar Groups
HW: Read through page 99 and complete the handout and frame--due Wednesday

3. What is Socratic Seminar?
The title comes from Socrates—a philosopher and teacher who believed that students have the capacity to achieve deeper thinking and meaning through questioning. PURPOSE: Students will achieve deeper understanding about the ideas and values of a text. They will question and examine issues and articulate different points of view. The conversation assists participants in constructing meaning through analysis, interpretation, listening, and participating.

4. How It Works
The participants carry the burden of responsibility for the quality of discussion. It’s not about right answers or debate. Students are encouraged to think aloud and to exchange ideas openly and honestly.
Two Circles:
The inner circle is for the discussion—only those students may speak.
The outer circle is for observation—those students are monitoring their partner and will prepare “coaching notes.”

5. Discussion Norms Use level 2 and 3 questions
You may use the talking points, but feel free to deviate.
Don’t raise hands.
Listen carefully.
Your text should be out in front of you.
Monitor “air time”
Be respectful and invite others into the conversation.

6. Why Are We Doing This?
--Cite strong and thorough evidence to support analysis and make strong inferences.

7. How It’s Going to Work Each of you have been assigned a partner.
We’ll have two different discussion groups, so each student will participate in discussion today.
We’ll have an 8 minute discussion, a 1 min. “coaching break” with your partner, and a 3-5 minute wrap up discussion.
Group 2 will move to the center circle and we’ll follow the same pattern.

8. Is This Graded? Yes. I am looking for the following: Active engagement
Evidence of reading and understanding
Speaking skills—eye contact, articulation, volume
Textual support and analysis
Engaging others in conversation—summarizing, clarifying, asking questions

9. Focusing Statement
In your notebook, answer one of the following prompts as it connects to Tuesdays with Morrie. It may provide fodder for discussion:
What puzzles me is…
I’d like to talk with people about…
I’m confused about…
The big ideas in this book connect on a broader level because…

10. Setting a Goal
At the top of your self-evaluation, I’ve asked you to set a goal for yourself.
Think about engaging others in conversation, using the text, citing quotes, asking questions, extending the dialogue, etc.

11. When the seminar is over…
you will complete
the individual participant form
a reflection with your seminar group (Group 1 or 2)

12. Final Evaluation Rate yourself (4-1) for each of the statements.
Consider your OVERALL performance. Where do you think you fell?
Set 2 Goals for next time, based on what you learned and saw today.
Identify an area where you need some help.