A seminar is not a test of memory. You are not “learning a subject”; your goal is to understand the ideas, issues, and values reflected in the text.

1. Refer to the text when needed during the discussion. 2. It’s OK to pass when asked to contribute. 3. Do not participate if you are not prepared. A seminar should not be a bull session. 4. Do not stay confused; ask for clarification. 5. Stick to the point currently under discussion; make notes about ideas you want to come back to. 6. Don’t raise hands; take turns speaking. 7. Listen carefully. 8. Speak up so that all can hear you. 9. Talk to each other, not just to the teacher. 10. Discuss ideas rather than each other’s opinions. 11. You are responsible for the quality of the seminar, even if you don’t know it or admit it.

 Goal: a greater understanding of ideas, issues and values through dialogue  Exchange of ideas instead of predetermined opinions (debate)  Collective inquiry ( whole group investigation)  No “right “ answers

 MANIPULATIVE, HONORABLE, LOYAL  Sentence Frames for Clarification:   _________________, could you please rephrase that?   I did not understand ____________________, could you repeat that, please?   I did not understand ___________, do you mean __________?   Can you say more about that?   In other words, are you saying _________?   I have a question about ________. State your question.  Sentence Frame for changing the subject:   I think we’ve exhausted the topic of ________, can we move on to ______?   Does anyone have any final comments to add about ______ or shall we move on to a new subject?  Sentence Frames for affirming an idea and adding to it:   My idea is related to ____________’s idea ___________.   I really liked ______’s idea about _________.   I agree with ______. Also, _________.  Presenting a different angle on a subject:   While I can see why you believe this, I see this differently. In my opinion _______.   I understand where you are coming from, but I see it a bit differently. From my perspective, _________.   That’s a valid point, but I feel __________.  Expressing your opinion:   I believe that _________.   I think that __________ because ________.   To me, it seems obvious that _________.

 GLOW: (What was done right?)  GROW: (What needs work?)  On a scale of 1-10, how much did seminar increase your understanding of the ideas, issues and values in the text. Explain.