1. Introduction to Socratic Seminars
Goal: To gain a better understanding of a text through thoughtful, student-led discussion.

2. Common Core Standards – Goals for Socratic Seminars
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL A Come to discussions prepared, having read and researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence from texts and other research on the topic or issue to stimulate a thoughtful, well-reasoned exchange of ideas.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL B Work with peers to set rules for collegial discussions and decision-making (e.g., informal consensus, taking votes on key issues, presentation of alternate views), clear goals and deadlines, and individual roles as needed.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL C Propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that relate the current discussion to broader themes or larger ideas; actively incorporate others into the discussion; and clarify, verify, or challenge ideas and conclusions.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL D Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives, summarize points of agreement and disagreement, and, when warranted, qualify or justify their own views and understanding and make new connections in light of the evidence and reasoning presented.

3. Foundation of Socratic Seminars
Socrates (a classical Greek philosopher credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy) believed that empowering students to think for themselves was more important than filling their heads with “right answers.” In a Socratic Seminar, participants seek deeper understanding of complex ideas through carefully prepared and thoughtful dialogue. A Socratic Seminar fosters active learning as participants explore and evaluate the ideas, issues, and values in a particular text. The skills that students develop through participation in Socratic Seminars are crucial for college success.

4. Dialogue vs. Debate Dialogue is… Debate is…
collaborative about understanding listening for a deeper meaning re-evaluating assumptions keeping an open mind about temporarily suspending beliefs searching for strength or validity in all ideas about respecting all participants exploring different possibilities open-ended
oppositional about proving others wrong listening for flaws defending assumptions close-minded about defending beliefs searching for weaknesses in ideas about belittling or demeaning others having one right answer demanding a conclusion

5. Socratic Seminar Group Guidelines
LISTEN
No one can speak while someone else is speaking.
BUILD
Speakers must try to build on what others say, not debate their views.
REFER TO THE TEXT
Speakers must refer directly to the section of the text from which their ideas come rather than making general comments or observations.

6. What is the Teacher’s Role?
Remind students of norms of discussion.
Guide discussion when necessary.
Clarify confusion when necessary.
Keep track of and reward points for thoughtful and productive participation.
Outline the main questions or ideas for each seminar.

7. Student Responsibilities for Socratic Seminar
Be prepared for the seminar by completing all necessary preparation & reading.
Direct the flow of the discussion within the seminar.
Construct their own analysis of the text being discussed in the seminar.
Utilize critical thinking, listening, and communicating skills.
Respect and honor the opinions and voices of all other participants.

8. Socratic Seminar Set-up
All tables will be pushed to the sides of the room, and chairs will be arranged in a circle in the middle of the room.
Students will have prep sheets & discussion questions & novels.
Teacher will have sheet to keep track of participation.

9. Socratic Seminar Norms
Discussion should be natural and free-flowing – no raising hands.
Students should lead discussion, and teacher should be an observer.
Give time to honor and discuss all questions – no popcorn questions.
Respect classmates’ opinions if they are different – it’s okay to respectfully disagree with someone.
Always ground your questions and responses in the text – the goal of seminar is to better understand the novel, the important themes, and literary aspects of it.

10. Graded Discussion Rubric:1 .5
Conduct & Listening
-patient with differing opinions
-asks for clarification
-brings others into dialogue
-focused on dialogue
-respectful
-comments, but does not attempt to involve others
-generally focused
-disrespectful
-does not participate
-unfocused (side conversations, etc.)
Speaking
-speaks to all participants (not just one or teacher)
-takes a leadership role without dominating conversation
-speaks to most participants
-attempts to move on to new ideas too quickly
-tends to ramble on after making a point
-single word comments
-monopolizes discussion
-cannot hear or understand contribution
Reasoning
-cites relevant text
-relates topic to background knowledge
-makes connections between own thoughts and others’
-willing to take an alternate viewpoint
-asks questions to further dialogue
-makes limited connections to others’ ideas
-some references to text
-attempt to relate to previous knowledge
-illogical comments
-ignores the movement of the seminar

11. Literary analysis type questions
Question Type 1: Opening Questions
Question Type 3: Closing Questions
Basic clarifying questions
Comprehension questions
EXAMPLES: What does a specific word mean? What is this character’s name?
These questions go deeper into the text and help explain the broader meaning or understanding of the text
Literary analysis type questions
EXAMPLES: What does this object symbolize? How does the setting impact the plot?
Question Type 2: Core Questions
These are the GOOD questions, controversial, and may challenge our current way of thinking about the world.
Good evaluative questions can be discussed all day long.
They are difficult to write and don’t have a ‘starter’ phrase – they can not be answered with a yes or no.
EXAMPLE: Are humans naturally selfish or good?

12. Real World Importance
r_conversation?language=en
You future (job, relationships, success) will depend on your successful ability to carry on a conversation.
Socratic Seminars will hopefully help you learn how to listen and communicate with each other in an informed, respectful, and authentic way.