The Socratic Seminar Ms. De La O English 9

Socrates Greek philosopher Students should think for themselves

The Purpose of the Seminar Understand information by creating a dialectic in class Seek deeper understanding of complex ideas in the text “Examine" a common piece of text Formulate questions participants must understand that this format is based on dialogue

What the Socratic Seminar is about Collaborative Understanding the ideas of others Listening for deeper meaning Keeping an open mind Temporarily suspending beliefs Search for strength in all ideas Respect all participants Open-ended Debate: Oppositional About proving others wrong Listening for flaws Close-minded Defending beliefs Searching for weaknesses in ideas Belittling or demeaning others Demanding a conclusion

How do I prepare for the Socratic Seminar? Read the required text (takes notes, post its on important pages, etc.) Ensure the notes you have taken are thorough Complete your Socratic Seminar questions

What kind of questions should I ask? Level I (Comprehension Questions) Level II (Interpretative Questions) Level III (Application Questions)

Level I (Comprehension Questions) Questions that help you understand the story. Ex: What attracted Alcee Arobin to Edna upon their first meeting and why? In what ways was this attraction demonstrated? Relates to the text and requires concrete examples

Level II (Interpretative Questions) Critical thinking questions that require evidence from the text. Ex: Is Edna the only character that has acted on her own Awakening? If not, who and in what way(s)? Developed from a theme

Level III (Application Questions) Critical thinking questions that connect the text to the real world. Ex: In what way(s) does The Awakening relate to the “Me too” movement of 2017 and 2018? Are there any prominent figures whose story relates to any event in the novel? Relates to the self and reality

What does a seminar look like? The classroom will be arranged in two concentric circles. When you are in the inner-circle you will be participating in the circle . If you are in the outer-circle you will be taking notes on a partner assigned to you.

The Guidelines-Step by Step Come prepared having read the material required Preparing notes Be an active listener and speaker Be respectful With every response/explanation, use textual evidence with page numbers One student speaks at a time Invite others to speak