1. SOCRATIC SEMINAR Background information to help us prepare…

2. WHAT ARE THEY?  Socratic Seminars are named after the Greek philosopher, Socrates power  Believed in the power of asking questions  “  “To make my contribution I must Ask Questions, Speak the Truth, Think for Myself, and Care for My Soul”

3. WHAT ARE THEY? (CONTINUED) By definition…  “The Socratic seminar is a formal discussion, based on a text, in which the leader asks open-ended questions. Within the context of the discussion, students listen closely to the comments of others, thinking critically for themselves, and articulate their own thoughts and their responses to the thoughts of others. They learn to work cooperatively and to question intelligently and civilly.”

4. LET’S TAKE A LOOK:  Let’s see how another school has used Socratic Seminar! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pGVR6ZF_2M

5. WHAT STEPS WILL WE TAKE?  1. Read the text in an ACTIVE way (close read, “Mark it up!”, text codes, annotation)  2. Plan for Socratic Circle: review any “Mark it up’s and preview and plan out responses to questions… remember text support !  3. Inner circle (two responses with flipped cards)/outer circle (feedback form and hot seat) responsibilities  4. Switch! Socratic seminar feedback form.docx

6. IS THIS FOR A GRADE?!