 A Socratic seminar is a form of discussion created by Socrates in fifth century B.C.  He believed that the best way for students to learn was by developing and pursuing insightful questions.  The teacher acts as a guide/facilitator while the students are required to take responsibility for their learning.

 Many college classes use the Socratic Seminar format.  You are in charge and get to discuss what interests you!  You learn how to listen and speak respectfully in a group discussion.  Teaches you how to use literary terminology in conversation.  Teaches organization and note taking skills.  “It is the mark of an educated mind to entertain an idea without accepting it.” - SOCRATES

 Read assigned story/play BEFORE coming to class.  Take notes over assigned reading before S.S. › Including the page number of key passages and writing down important quotes you want to discuss is helpful during discussion and when it comes to writing your paper.

 I will give you a list of things to pay attention to while reading. These should be covered in your notes. › These are usually centered around skills that I want you to apply to the text such as:  Inferring why or how  Use of literary devices  Author’s choices and influences  Context  Elements of the genre

 Include things you noticed, found interesting and want to discuss!  You should also prepare 3 of the following: a.k.a. your key 3 › Connection statements or questions (4types) › Open ended questions › Blooms Taxonomy question/statement level 3 or higher  The goal of the key 3: Think of these as helpful go-to questions and statements that can help move the discussion along if your circle gets stuck.

 The day before: › I will put a list of categories on the board that I would like you to include in your notes and discuss during the S.S. › Feel free to include other notes, thoughts, questions. › Don’t forget the key 3

 The day of S.S. › I will check notes before the Socratic Seminar has started. › I will divide the class into two groups.  Inner circle and outer circle › You will discuss for min. and then switch › Everyone must use all of their talking chips (initials on back) › Peer score sheet is due at end of class. › Paper and notes due next day.

 Treat one another respectfully  The outer circle is ALWAYS SILENT!!!!  This is a shared inquiry. Not a debate.  Everyone needs to talk AND listen.  Wait your turn to talk. Do not talk over one another.  Everyone must use their talking chips to earn full points.  Notes and required reading must be brought to class.  No foul language may be used. You’re smart. Be tactful as well.

 If you do not come to class prepared the following steps will occur. › You will lose all points for your notes › You will lose all talking chip points and will only sit in the outer circle taking notes. › Said notes must be attached to your paper, include the required categories I posted the previous day and turned in on time. › In the “Inner Circle” category of your paper, you must explain why you were not prepared and what steps you will take to make sure you are prepared for future Socratic Seminars.

 Categories I list on board  Key three  Literary terms: onomatopoeia, theme, foils, allusion, etc.  Context  Author influences  Things that you thought about while reading  NOTE:  We will ALWAYS discuss the things that I listed on the board.  Discussion can go “off notes”. If you think of something interesting in the middle of discussion feel free to bring it up!  Writing down things in your notes during discussion is allowed and encouraged.

Good discussion occurs. Students have studied the text closely in advance. Students have taken detailed notes before and during discussion. Notes and Papers contain the required content, are well written, and turned in on time. Students have actively listened to the ideas of their peers. Students have shared their ideas and questions in response to the ideas and questions of others. Students use evidence from the text to support their ideas.

 Don’t panic! I will explain it to you step by step!  MLA format  Look at handout that explains how to write S.S. paper  Don’t forget to use headings for each section  Proofread, proofread, proofread, proofread, proofread, proofread!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Each Socratic Seminar is worth a total of 70 points.  10 points for having notes prepared BEFORE Socratic Seminar  25 points for discussion  5 points for using all of your talking chips  25 points for paper  5 points for completing peer evaluation