Socratic Seminar Overview, Guidelines and More!

A Brief History Socrates, a philosopher born in Athens in 469 BC, developed a method of discussion known as the Socratic dialectic. He encouraged participants to sit in a circle and draw knowledge from the group by presenting a series of deeply philosophical questions. He did not look for correct answers, but rather expanded his knowledge from what others knew. He believed that the soul was the heart of consciousness and moral character; basically this made each person unique. He also believed that all people should understand his/her own “true self”. He made many enemies due to his questioning ways of the Athenian religious and political institutions. He was convicted of heresy and drank a cup of hemlock that was given to him.

What is Seminar? Socratic Seminar is a discussion of text based on questions. The text can be from any content area: literary genres, works of art, musical pieces, mathematical theories, scientific demonstrations, historic documents and visual performances. Students conduct a seminar in a circular fashion, with an outer and inner circle. The outer circle is for participants who will annotate the discussion or evaluate student performance. The inner circle consists of students engaged in the textual discussion. All students will participate in both circles throughout the year. Each participant receives a number of “speech tokens” to utilize during the seminar. These tokens symbolize the number of opportunities the participant can speak. Students are expected to utilize all tokens and not exceed the number given.

4 “Musts” of Seminar 1.Text can come from any area. 2.Discussion reflects genuine curiosity-no “right” answer. 3.Leader offers initial question & then plays a dual role of leader/participant. 4.Participants must study text in advance, listen actively, share ideas using evidence from text.

Participant Guidelines Before Seminar: Students are to complete all pre-seminar activities. Students are to study text prior to seminar. During Seminar: Refer to text when needed during the discussion. You are not expected to memorize text, but rather understand issues, ideas, and values reflected in text. It’s okay to pass when asked to contribute. Do not participate if you are not prepared. A seminar is not a bull session. Do not stay confused; ask for clarification. Don’t raise hands; take turns speaking. Listen carefully. Speak up so all can hear you. Talk to each other, not just the teacher or leader. Discuss ideas rather than each other’s opinions. Make eye contact with the person speaking. Be aware of body language.body language

Teacher Role Creates environment for seminar-circular seating, lighting and music Chooses text Performs role of leader for first seminar Provides pre-seminar activities to enable students to make connections Provides support in 3 ways during seminar: start discussion, encourage speech, keep students on track Provides post seminar written activity Decides method of student evaluation (teacher, peer or self)

Which types of questions work for a Seminar? These are the qualities of the types of questions needed for a seminar: Point to the heart of the topic and its controversies Generate multiple answers/perspectives Casts new light on old knowledge Based on text-to-text, text-to-world and text- to-self connections

What a Seminar Is NOT A debatedebate An attack on the opinions of others A judgment of others’ thoughts A series of side conversations

Body Language Decipher Folded Arms= Not willing to listen Sighing= Boredom/Not interested Eye Rolling= Disbelief Head Nodding/Tilting= Pre-forming Opinion Squinting/Furrowed Brow= Opposing view Tapping Fingers/Feet= Impatience

Dialogue Vs. Debate 1)Collaborative-multiple sides work toward understanding 2)Participant listens to understand, make meaning and find common ground 3)Creates open-minded attitude-openness to being wrong and to change 4)Expect others’ reflections will improve thinking not threaten it 5)Temporarily suspending one’s beliefs 6)Search for strength in all positions 7)Seek NOT to alienate or offend participants 8)Cooperation can lead to greater understanding 9)Remains open-ended-does not require a final solution or conclusion 1)Oppositional-2 opposing sides try to prove each other wrong 2)Participant listens to find flaws and spot differences 3)Creates close-minded attitude; determination to be right 4)Defends on thinking and challenges other person to be right 5)Invest strongly in own beliefs 6)Search for weakness in other positions 7)Argues opposite views and may belittle other participants 8)Assumes single right answer that someone already has 9)Demands a conclusion