Socratic Seminar British Literature

Quote from Socrates “The unexamined life is not worth living." -Socrates

Socratic comes from the name Socrates (ca Socratic comes from the name Socrates (ca. 470-399 BC) who was a classical Greek philosopher; he developed a Theory of Knowledge. Socrates was convinced that the surest way to attain reliable knowledge was through the practice of disciplined conversation; he called this method dialectic.

Dialectic Dialectic (noun) means the art or practice of examining opinions or ideas logically, often by the method of questions and answer, so as to determine their validity.

Socratic Seminar A Socratic Seminar is a method to try to understand information by creating an in-class dialogue based on a specific text.  The participants seek deeper understanding of complex ideas through rigorously thoughtful dialogue, rather than by memorizing bits of information or meeting arbitrary demands for 'coverage.'

Multiple Perspectives The familiar photo warrants a response for the viewer. Is this an old woman or youthful dame.

Multiple Perspectives Do you see a rabbit or a duck?

The Learning Pyramid

Bloom’s Taxonomy

WORLD CONNECTION QUESTION: Write a question connecting the text to the real world.        Example:  If you were given only 24 hours to pack your most precious belongings  in a back pack  and to get ready to leave your home town, what might you pack?  (After reading the first 30 pages of NIGHT).

CLOSE-ENDED QUESTION: Write  a question about the text that will help everyone in the class come to an agreement about events or characters in the text. This question usually has a "correct" answer.       Example:  What happened to Hester Pyrnne's husband that she was left alone in Boston without family?  (after the first 4 chapters of THE SCARLET LETTER).

OPEN-ENDED QUESTION:    Write an insightful question about the text that will require proof and group discussion and "construction of logic" to discover or explore the answer to the question. Example: Why did Gene hesitate to reveal the truth about the accident to Finny that first day in the infirmary? (after mid-point of  A SEPARATE PEACE).

UNIVERSAL THEME/ CORE QUESTION: Write a question dealing with a theme(s) of the text that will encourage group discussion about the universality of the text. Example: After reading John Gardner's GRENDEL, can you pick out its existential elements?  

Guidelines for Participants in a Socratic Seminar 1. Refer to the text during the discussion. A seminar is not a test of memory.  The goal is to understand the ideas, issues, and values reflected in the text. 2. Cite reasons and evidence for your statements. 3. Do not participate if you are not prepared. A seminar should not be a bull session. 4. Do not stay confused; ask for clarification. 5. Stick to the point currently under discussion; make notes about ideas you want to come back to.

Guidelines for Participants in a Socratic Seminar 6. Take turns speaking; you should not have to raise your hands, but if the need arises you may do so. 7. Listen carefully to all that is being said, and write down the ideas that are expressed. 8. Follow proper speaking techniques (make eye contact, sit up in your chair, speak to the group not the teacher, do not pile your desk with irrelevant materials…).

Guidelines for Participants in a Socratic Seminar 9. Avoid hostile exchanges.  Question each other in a civil manner.  Discuss ideas rather than each other's opinions. 10. You are responsible for the seminar, even if you don't know it or admit it.

Group Make-up 1. Group Seminar Everyone participates in one large group 2. Concentric Circles       There is an inner circle and an outer circle.  The inner circle speaks.  The outer circle takes notes and works to assist the inner circle 3. Small Group Seminar  Small groups are formed for more intimate conversations. 4. Role-play A role play seminar is a variation on the other forms.  Participants assume the role of a character from the text.