1. What is a Socratic Seminar? Socratic Seminar

2. What does Socratic mean? Socratic comes from the name Socrates. Socrates was a classic greek philosopher. Have you ever heard of him? Socrates developed the “theory of knowledge” Socrates believed that is was VERY important for people, especially students, to learn how to think for themselves and develop their own opinions

3. What is a Socratic Seminar? A method to try to understand information by having in class dialogue/discussion about a specific text or reading Instead of memorizing information or answering questions you look for understanding through dialogue with your classmates

4. What does a Socratic Seminar look like? A Socratic Seminar can look different ways! What is important is that we are being respectful of others and developing our own ideas and opinions!

5. Okay…so what do I do? 1. Refer to your text when needed during our discussion. Your goal is to understand the issues and ideas – a seminar is not a test of knowledge! 2. Don’t participate if you aren’t prepared… 3. It is okay to pass when you are unsure of yourself. 4. Don’t stay confused! Ask for clarification when you need it! 5. Talk to your classmates and not just your leader (teacher). 6. Stick to the point that is currently being discussed (don’t jump around); make notes if there are topics/ideas you’d like to go back to 7. Don’t raise your hand – take turns speaking. 8. Listen carefully and be respectful 9. Speak up so that everyone will hear you 10. Discuss the IDEAS and not just each others opinions

6. How do I prepare? Our big question for this seminar deals with the issue of technology. Is the advancement of technology benefitting our world? 1. Decide what you think. 2. List your reasons. 3. List actions that led your decision 4. List some technology that has led to your decision 5. Mark the text by using highlighter/post-it’s etc. This way you have proof! 6. Make notes on your article! 7. Write down questions you want to ask and things you want to say about the topic!

7. What is the role of the teacher? Ask opening question Keep discussion moving Track participants (students) participation Give a closing question