Socratic Seminar An introduction 1

Socrates “Let him that would move the world, first move himself.” 2 “Let him that would move the world, first move himself.” Socrates

Dialogue vs. Debate Dialogue Debate 3 Dialogue Collaborative: shared understanding One listens to understand, to make meaning, and to find common ground Creates an open-minded atmosphere, an openness to being wrong, and a willingness to accept all viewpoints Debate Oppositional: Opposite sides trying to prove each other wrong One listens to find flaws, to spot differences, and to find arguments Creates a close-minded attitude, a determination to be right, and defends his/her belief that he/she is right

*Socratic Seminar Purpose: 4 A collaborative, intellectual dialogue facilitated with open-ended questions about a text Purpose: To achieve a deeper understanding about the ideas and values in a text. To examine key issues and principles from various points of view To connect the deeper meanings to self and others

How it Works: Make sure you have your “ticket” questions with you 5 Make sure you have your “ticket” questions with you Enter the classroom with complete order and sophistication. Find your seat and be ready for seminar! Fishbowl

Leader & Encourager . for each fishbowl… 6 Leader & Encourager . for each fishbowl… A “Leader” will begin the discussion by opening up with one of the prepared questions, add questions, move the discussion along, etc. An “Encourager” will record who speaks, track the type of responses (Q, R, C), compliment speakers’ ideas, and refer to others’ ideas when speaking him/herself. Encourager will prompt people to speak or encourage you with regard to a point made

The Seminar consists of three phases 1. Opening: 7 The Seminar consists of three phases 1. Opening: The “Leader” asks the first question and any panel member my begin by responding Panel members listen and respond as they are inclined

2. Discussion (Ticket Q’s) 8 Ticket questions are the foundation: TQs are posed by the “Leader” Follow-up ideas, important points, and new questions evolve through the discussion Refer to your text Apply discussion to the real world, to your real world. Do not let your discussion die! This is the bulk of the conversation. Length of discussion per question will vary.

Hot Seat 9 A seat reserved for an observer who MUST enter the discussion with an important point. He/she will return to the outer circle when finished The “Leader” will make sure the hot seat person is heard.

3. Connection 11 Closing Question – this is were we will summarize our new knowledge, identify new ideas, and understand new perspectives related to the text or issues discussed in seminar

Time-Out 12 If the teacher calls a “time-out”, we step out of the seminar for a moment and function as a regular class with classroom rules. The purpose of a time-out is to reflect on how things are going, or to allow the facilitator to teach something or adjust the climate of the conversation. The teacher will call “time-in” to return to seminar.

Yellow card, Red card 13 A yellow card is given as a warning to anyone who is not following seminar guidelines, especially regarding respect or side conversations A second violation results in a red card, which means the student can no longer participate

Fishbowl Norms (Inner Circle) 14 Do not raise hands Listen carefully Ask a question Address one another respectfully Base any opinions on the text Do not interrupt Speak at least 3x but monitor “air time” Refer to the text Present your own thoughts, but be open and flexible to new ideas based on points made by others

Norms for the Outer Circle 15 No side conversations (talking to peers sitting near you during seminar) Be respectful: No rude comments or laughing at people Take notes—write down meaningful comments, disagreeable comments, or “ah-ha” moments, epiphanies. These will help you with your reflection sheet.

Participants have 3 main tasks: 16 Prepare Participate Listen, think, respond Refer to text Connect to other texts or world Reflect

What you need to do to prepare... 17 Complete the Reading Guide for Chapters 1-3, The Pearl. Prepare your Socratic Seminar “ticket” Understand the story in order to support your opinions by referring to it when speaking

Completing your “ticket” 18 Develop Responses to Core Questions Respond DEEPLY—beyond the literal. Think about the bigger picture, the real issue, the symbolism; use your own inference or consult outside resources to support your idea. Ticket must be complete and shown to your teacher to enter the Socratic Seminar.

Lack of Preparation: No “ticket”, no admission 19 No “ticket”, no admission Loss of “ticket points” (late) Alternative assignment: Strong note-taking during Seminar 5-paragraph essay in response to the observed discussion No higher than a B- **Absence: Your completed “ticket” due with 5-paragraph essay in response to the provided prompt. All Seminar points will be recovered.

Reflect: After your seminar, you will complete the reflection sheet. 20 After your seminar, you will complete the reflection sheet. Use your notes to recall points made by others or new ideas Respond carefully and deeply Turn in your notes and your reflection the day after seminar.

Schedule: Begin working on your ticket questions. 21 Begin working on your ticket questions. Seminar will be next Tuesday and Wednesday.