1. The Socratic Seminar
Ms. De La O
English 9

2. Socrates
Greek philosopher
Students should think for themselves

3. The Purpose of the Seminar
Understand information by creating a dialectic in class
Seek deeper understanding of complex ideas in the text
“Examine" a common piece of text
Formulate questions
participants must understand that this format is based on dialogue

4. What the Socratic Seminar is about
Collaborative
Understanding the ideas of others
Listening for deeper meaning
Keeping an open mind
Temporarily suspending beliefs
Search for strength in all ideas
Respect all participants
Open-ended
Debate: Oppositional
About proving others wrong
Listening for flaws
Close-minded
Defending beliefs
Searching for weaknesses in ideas
Belittling or demeaning others
Demanding a conclusion

5. How do I prepare for the Socratic Seminar?
Read the required text (takes notes, post its on important pages, etc.)
Ensure the notes you have taken are thorough
Complete your Socratic Seminar questions

6. What kind of questions should I ask?
Level I (Comprehension Questions)
Level II (Interpretative Questions)
Level III (Application Questions)

7. Level I (Comprehension Questions)
Questions that help you understand the story.
Ex: What attracted Alcee Arobin to Edna upon their first meeting and why? In what ways was this attraction demonstrated?
Relates to the text and requires concrete examples

8. Level II (Interpretative Questions)
Critical thinking questions that require evidence from the text.
Ex: Is Edna the only character that has acted on her own Awakening? If not, who and in what way(s)?
Developed from a theme

9. Level III (Application Questions)
Critical thinking questions that connect the text to the real world.
Ex: In what way(s) does The Awakening relate to the “Me too” movement of 2017 and 2018? Are there any prominent figures whose story relates to any event in the novel?
Relates to the self and reality

10. What does a seminar look like?
The classroom will be arranged in two concentric circles.
When you are in the inner-circle you will be participating in the circle . If you are in the outer-circle you will be taking notes on a partner assigned to you.

11. The Guidelines-Step by Step
Come prepared having read the material required
Preparing notes
Be an active listener and speaker
Be respectful
With every response/explanation, use textual evidence with page numbers
One student speaks at a time
Invite others to speak