1. It’s Dialogue Not Debate!

2.  Socrates believed that enabling students to think for themselves was more important than filling their heads with “right answers.” On a sheet of paper, write a paragraph explaining whether you agree with this idea or not. What type of activities have you participated in during your high school years that have encouraged this idea?

3.  The Text  Choose a text that will enable your students to have a thoughtful discussion  Texts can be from readings in literature, history, science, math, philosophy, art or even music Strategies for Success p. 160

4.  The leader plays a dual role. They must follow the same guidelines as the other participants, as well as, monitor the discussion for fairness.  Know the text well before you begin  Be prepared with a series of questions about the text to help define discussion and give it direction  Facilitate discussion among participants rather than with you, the leader  Be an active listener  Help participants rephrase questions and answers for clarity if necessary Strategies for Success p. 161

5.  Encourage participants to use the text to support their responses  Helps participants clarify their positions when arguments become confused  Involves reluctant participants while restraining their more vocal peers  Must be patient enough to allow participants’ understandings to evolve  Be willing to help participants explore non-traditional insights and unexpected interpretations

6.  Read the text carefully and for understanding  Highlight the text and make notes in the margins  Take turns speaking instead of raising hands  Listen carefully and actively to your fellow participants  Discuss ideas of the text, not each other’s opinions  Keep your mind open to new ideas and possibilities Strategies for Success p. 162

7. Dialogue is… - collaborative -about understanding -re-evaluating assumptions -keeping an open mind -searching for strength and validity in all ideas -about temporarily suspending beliefs -open-ended Debate is… -oppositional -about proving others wrong -defending assumptions -close-minded -about defending beliefs -having one right answer -searching for weakness in ideas -demands a conclusion Strategies for Success p. 159

8.  Be courteous. No put-downs or sarcasm.  Absolutely no side conversations! If you have something to say, address the entire group. You may have valuable input.  Allow each speaker enough time to begin and finish his/her thoughts. (Giving 5 seconds can help with this.)

9.  Involve others in the discussion and ask questions to elaborate on their responses.  Use your best active listening skills through eye contact and providing feedback.  Remember there are no wrong answers. All ideas are valuable!

10.  Arrange student desks in a circle.  Make sure each participant has a copy of the text.  Students should come with three questions for discussion.  Paragraphs should be numbered and unknown words be highlighted and defined.

11.  All students will complete a socratic seminar debrief.  Discussion leaders will grade the debriefs.  Those who cannot participate effectively will be removed from the seminar and receive a grade of 0.  Part of the participant’s grade will be based on speaking during the seminar.  You MUST learn to speak up about ANY topic. It is NOT okay to simply sit back and just let everyone else talk.