Socratic Seminar: What is it? & SS on The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Who is Socrates…and why did he have a seminar? Classic Greek Philosopher Founder of Western Philosophy Ethics Socratic Seminars = a teaching tool that promotes questioning through dialogue No right answer, deeper exploration of thought

4 ELEMENTS Text that raises important questions with no right or wrong answers Questions are provided by the leader and participants and always lead back to the text Leader that is a coach to choose the text & ask follow-up questions to guide the discussion (limited) Participants read the text closely, listen actively, share ideas and questions without being scared, but safe

Dialogue NOT Debate Goal is understanding Work together Respect participants Open mind Goal is to prove other’s wrong There is one right answer Defending beliefs Close minded

Before Seminar Read & mark the text carefully Look for where the author is stating his/her views or raising questions Think about what you read Make connections to your life and ask your own questions

During Seminar Be prepared to participate Refer to the text (“In paragraph 5 it says…”) Take turns speaking Discuss the text (give evidence), not just your opinion Show respect & keep an open mind Use the academic scripts to start every sentence

Reflection Students end the seminar writing a reflection about: The best questions What they learned and if their opinions changed What they wished they could have said New questions that arose

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian