Paideia Socratic Seminar A Model For Constructive Conversation Galen Bell

3 Types of Instruction Didactic … Acquisition of Knowledge 10-15% Coaching … Skills Development 60-70% Seminar … Exchange of Ideas/Values 15 - 20%

Socratic Seminar Socratic Seminar is an open-ended group discussion around a central text, work of art, or experience. The objective of Socratic Seminar is to help individuals to improve their ability to explain and exchange complex (layered) ideas and values.

Facilitator Planning Process Clarify Objectives Identify ideas and values Choose a text (or focal point) Develop Questions Construct Pre- and Post-Content Establish the Pre- and Post-Process REFLECT

Choosing Texts Ideas and Values Complexity and Challenge Relevance to Participants Ambiguity

Questions Opening – Identify rich ideas CORE – analyze textual details Closing – synthesize ideas

Seminar Facilitator Responsibilities Think about the ideas and values expressed in the dialogue Question the participants in order to nurture increased understanding. Listen… LISTEN actively to each participant and form follow-up questions. LIMIT TEACHER TALK!!!!!!!! LIMIT TEACHER TALK!!!!!!!!!!! LIMIT TEACHER TALK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Map the seminar by recording the amount and type of participation as well as ideas.

Participant Responsibilities LISTEN by looking at the speaker and not speaking while another is talking. THINK deeply about the ideas and values expressed in the dialogue, examining the various perspectives with an open mind. SPEAK loudly enough for everyone to hear, asking questions as well as making statements, while looking at others. REFER TO THE TEXT by citing specific page and line numbers and quoting actual passages to support a point of view. Address others RESPECTFULLY by using others’ names, agreeing/disagreeing constructively, and making connection to others’ comments.

Common Group Goals No side-bar conversations Refer to the text Make connections Everyone shares Show respect for others’ ideas

Common Individual Goals Speak at least once Limit comments to 3 Speak out of uncertainty (more questions) Refer to the text

Reflection

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