1. Socratic Seminars

2. What is a Socratic Seminar? A Socratic seminar is a way of teaching founded by the Greek philosopher Socrates. Socrates believed that: students learn best by asking questions.students learn best by asking questions. It is not the teacher’s job to lead the discussion.

3. How do we prepare for a Socratic Seminar? The day prior to the seminar you will be given a reading.The day prior to the seminar you will be given a reading. You will need to read the piece and answer questions before the seminar.You will need to read the piece and answer questions before the seminar. It is essential you read the text and prepare yourself with important questions and quotations.It is essential you read the text and prepare yourself with important questions and quotations.

4. Student Responsibility Keep an open mind to diversity of ideasKeep an open mind to diversity of ideas Listen to peers before responding to their opinionListen to peers before responding to their opinion Avoid repeating others commentsAvoid repeating others comments Take notes on others comments Be respectful Avoid side conversations Ask questions?

5. How does the discussion work in a seminar? Students come in and place chairs in a circle.Students come in and place chairs in a circle. Students should bring their seminar piece to the circle with notes.Students should bring their seminar piece to the circle with notes. The seminar is a discussion, not a debate.The seminar is a discussion, not a debate. Students may ask questions, or make comments as long as they support them.Students may ask questions, or make comments as long as they support them.

6. Seminar Guidelines Please listen and look at each other when you speak.Please listen and look at each other when you speak. One person speaks at a time. You do not have to raise your hand.One person speaks at a time. You do not have to raise your hand. Each person will have a chance to ask a question or make a comment.Each person will have a chance to ask a question or make a comment. Respond to the person who asks the question or made the comment.Respond to the person who asks the question or made the comment. Use evidence from the text to support yourself.Use evidence from the text to support yourself. Always treat each other with mutual respect.Always treat each other with mutual respect.

7. What teacher does during Seminar Use check sheet to document student comments.Use check sheet to document student comments. Remind students of guidelinesRemind students of guidelines Ask a question or make a comment to initiate seminar.Ask a question or make a comment to initiate seminar. Redirect seminar when needed.Redirect seminar when needed. Facilitator’s Tally Sheet: Facilitator’s Tally Sheet: Types of Responses C – General Comment O – Personal Opinion OR – Repeated Opinion O+ - Unique Insight T – Opinion with Text Reference E – Expanded on another’s opinion A – Applies to Real Situation P – Prediction