1. Socratic Seminar

2. What is a Socratic Seminar?
Organized Discussions
Usually range from minutes
Creates Dialogue as opposed to Debate.
Participants seek deeper understanding of complex ideas through rigorously thoughtful dialogue, rather than by memorizing bits of information.

3. Dialogue versus Debate
Improve thinking
Temporary suspend own beliefs
Respects others and cooperates
Remains open-ended
DEBATE
Defend Thinking
Search for weaknesses
Rebuts contrary position
Demands a conclusion

4. Four Essential Elements
The Text (Video Clip, piece of music, work of art)
Higher Level Questions
Socratic Leader
Participants

5. The Text Video Clip (Media) Piece of Music Work of Art Current Event
Article/Book/Short Story
The better the text (or topic), the better the socratic.

6. Socratic Leaders Help clarify positions/define topic
Encourage shy class members to participate
Restrain vocal or over eager class members
Encourage patience

7. Participants Share ideas and examples Respond to their peers
Pose questions
Listen actively
Refer to text

8. The Guidelines for Effective Dialogue
Listen carefully
Speak clearly - one person at a time
Participate openly
Value others opinions, but refer to text to support your position
Avoid side conversations
Give others your respect - accept answers without judgment

9. Socratic Seminar Pilot/Copilot

10. Format Critically read and annotate an article.
Write 3 higher level questions based on observations and “wonderings.”
Socratic Seminar discussion.
Pilots are the only ones allowed to speak, copilots may write notes and pass them to the pilot to share. After your speak, allow 3 others to speak before you speak again.
Reflections

11. Pilot/Co-Pilot Layout
Form Triads