1. Discussing the text “Scottsboro Boys”
Socratic Seminar
Discussing the text
“Scottsboro Boys”

2. What is a Socratic Seminar?
It is a shared inquiry, not a debate
It is a text-based discussion in which an individual sets their own interpretations of the text alongside those of other participants.
The aim is a mutual search for a clearer, wider and deeper understanding of the ideas, issues, and values in the text
What is a Socratic Seminar?

3. Step 1: Choose a partner according to the seating arrangements (i. e
Step 1: Choose a partner according to the seating arrangements (i.e. 1A partners with 1B)
Step 2: All participants in the center (Participants A) will lead the discussion by responding to the Socratic Seminar reflection question—Use the handout “side A”
Step 3: All participants in the outer circle (Participants B) will evaluate the participants in the center—Use the handout “side B”
Step 4: Partners A and B will switch places in the circles and repeat steps 1-3.
How to Participate

4. Socratic Seminar: Step 1
Choose a partner according to the seating arrangements (i.e. 1A partners with 1B)
Socratic Seminar: Step 1

5. Socratic Seminar: Step 2
All participants in the center (Participants A) will lead the discussion by responding to the Socratic Seminar reflection question—Use the handout “side A”
QUESTION: IN THE ARTICLE WHO WAS TO BLAME Every one must take turns telling their point of view and why they feel that way USE TEXTUAL EVIDENCE (take 2 minutes).
After every one tells their point of view and why, everyone must pick someone to agree or disagree with.
After every one picks someone to agree or disagree with, each person must ask one other person in “Circle A” a question (use questioning statements/clarifying questions).
Socratic Seminar: Step 2

6. Socratic Seminar: Step 3
All participants in the outer circle (Participants B) will evaluate the participants in the center—Use the handout “side B”
Socratic Seminar: Step 3

7. Socratic Seminar: Step 4
Partners A and B will switch places in the circles and repeat steps 1-3.
Socratic Seminar: Step 4

8. Socratic Seminar: Closure
Who do you think made better points today?
What evidence did they use to support their arguments?
Did you complete both side A and B of your Socratic Seminar handout?
Do you have any remaining questions?
Socratic Seminar: Closure

9. WHO WAS TO BLAME FOR THE SEGREGATED PROMS? Choose a side:
Side A: The White parents
Side B: The White students
Side C: Both the White parents and students
Four Square Activity

10. Locate a square; in your square, discuss ways to support why you chose the answer you chose.
Insert textual evidence (3-4 sentences from the article) that support your choice. Write your name by your evidence.
Four Square Activity

11. Using the Socratic Seminar handout, Complete Side A and B by reading others’ evidence.
Four Square Activity

12. Four Square Activity: Closure
Who do you think made better points today?
What evidence did they use to support their arguments?
Did you complete both side A and B of your Socratic Seminar handout?
Do you have any remaining questions?
Four Square Activity: Closure