1. thinking is not driven by answers but by questions
Socratic seminar
thinking is not driven by answers
but by questions

2. Socratic seminar
Be prepared to participate and ask good questions. The quality is diminished when student speak without preparation.
Show respect for differing ideas.
Speak up so everyone can hear you.
Listen very carefully. Nod, make eye contact, provide feedback.
Let each speaker finish his/her thoughts. Don’t interrupt.
Don’t raise hands, but take turns speaking.
Talk to each other, not the teacher.

3. Framing your comments… building on what others say
I agree with ___, because but I want to add another reason.
__ makes me think of another point. Why would the author include, ___?
I disagree with __, because
I’m not sure why __ said… Can you reword your comments to help me understand?
I understand your point, ___, but I want to add/disagree/ give another side…
I’d like to offer another question to consider…

4. This seminar Number each paragraph or chunk of the article.
Record one goal you have for this seminar.

5. Socratic Seminar Scoring Guide
Advanced: Student meets all of the proficient criteria plus one or more of the following:
Actively incorporates others into the discussion
Challenges ideas and conclusions in thoughtful, well-reasoned exchange of ideas
Summarizes points of agreement and disagreement
Qualifies or justifies own views and understanding
Makes new connections in light of the evidence and reasoning presented
Proficient
Student comes to discussion prepared (with completed preparation notes and text)
Uses body language and eye contact to indicate active listening for the duration of the seminar
Both poses and responds to questions
Quoting the text to support a point
Participates by doing at least one of the following:
Building on the thoughts of others by using appropriate transition words and phrases
Asking clarifying questions
Using language of recognition and appreciation to promote collaborative, collegial discussions
Basic: Student meets 2-3 of the proficient criteria
Below Basic: Student meets only 1 of the proficient criteria
Far Below Basic: Student meets none of the proficient criteria

6. “Fishbowl” notes While on the “inside” of the fishbowl:
Record questions being discussed.
Record main idea notes.
HOT seat
You may use the hot seat to join the inner circle’s discussion. Since it’s a “hot” seat, your time will be limited to 2 minutes. So sit and sizzle them with your comment!

7. “Fishbowl” notes While on the outside of the fishbowl looking in:
What is one comment with which you agree or disagree? Explain.
What is one comment with which you could have added an idea? What would you have said?
How would you assess the quality of the participants speaking and listening skills? Explain your score with specific references.
1=poor 2=good 3=great

8. Questions to consider: China in Africa
What motives is China pursuing in Africa?
What is “resource nationalism”? How might it factor in as African nations face Chinese nibbling aggression?
Assess the role African governments have played in developing China’s power in the region.
What parallels/similarities do you see to what we studied in the unit? What differences can you note?

9. Questions to consider- Iraq and syria
Why does religion have to do with the crisis in Iraq and Syria? Is the conflict primarily religious or political?
What is the goal of ISIS? If it succeeds, what are the possible repercussions for the US?
If you were President Obama, how would you handle the developing crisis? Why?
Should the US send combat forces back to Iraq to help the government defend Iraq against ISIS?

10. Debrief/process
Write a thorough response to at least TWO comments you did not respond to during the seminar.
When NEW information did you glean from the Socratic Seminar that expanded your thinking and added to your knowledge on the subject being discussed?

11. Moderator
Nominate a student in your small group to act as a “moderator”:
Select the first question
Steer the discussion to other questions when necessary; monitor the “flow” of the discussion
Encourage students who have not spoken to contribute to the discussion