Socratic Seminar

What Does This Mean? “The unexamined life is not worth living.” ~Socrates

What is a Socratic Seminar? A dialogue where participants seek deeper understanding of complex ideas Participants evaluate ideas, issues, and values in texts Participants share different perspectives

The Difference Between Dialogue and Debate Dialogue is… Debate is… Collaborative Oppositional About understanding About proving others wrong Listening for deeper meaning Listening for flaws Re-evaluating assumptions Defending assumptions Keeping an open mind Close-minded About respecting all participants Demeaning others Exploring different possibilities Having one right answer Open-ended Seeking a conclusion

The Set-up ½ of the class sits in the inner circle and participates while the other ½ of the class sits in the outer circle to observe and record the participation of their partners. After about 10-15 minutes, the roles are reversed and the discussion continues.

Role of Leader Moderate discussion. Help participants rephrase questions for clarity. Encourage participants to use the text to support their responses.

Preparing for the Socratic Seminar Read the text carefully. Highlight key ideas from the text. Formulate level 1,2, and 3 questions. Make connections between the text and your life.

During the Socratic Seminar (Inner Circle) Participate. Participate. Participate. Refer to text to support your comments or questions. Take turns speaking instead of raising hands. Discuss the text, not each other’s opinions. Speak clearly. Listen carefully. Use Academic Language Scripts for Socratic Seminars as needed

During the Socratic Seminar (Inner Circle)

During the Socratic Seminar (Outer Circle) Observe your partner. Record your observations.

After the Socratic Seminar Reflect on the process.

After the Socratic Seminar Cut on the dotted line. Give the completed Socratic Seminar Observation form to your partner. Staple your Socratic Seminar Questions to the Socratic Seminar Observation form filled out by your partner. Turn in the two stapled documents to your teacher.