1. w/ The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Socratic Seminar
w/ The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

2. Who is Socrates…and why did he have a seminar?
Classic Greek Philosopher
Founder of Western Philosophy
Ethics
Socratic Seminars = a teaching tool that promotes questioning through dialogue
No right answer, deeper exploration of thought

3. 4 ELEMENTS
Text that raises important questions with no right or wrong answers
Questions are provided by the leader and participants and always lead back to the text
Leader that is a coach to choose the text & ask follow-up questions to guide the discussion (limited)
Participants read the text closely, listen actively, share ideas and questions without being scared, but safe

4. Dialogue NOT Debate Goal is understanding Work together
Respect participants
Open mind
Goal is to prove other’s wrong
There is one right answer
Defending beliefs
Close minded

5. Before Seminar Read & mark the text carefully
Look for where the author is stating his/her views or raising questions
Think about what you read
Make connections to your life and ask your own questions

6. During Seminar Be prepared to participate
Refer to the text (“In paragraph 5 it says…”)
Take turns speaking
Discuss the text (give evidence), not just your opinion
Show respect & keep an open mind
Use the academic scripts to start every sentence

7. Class Set Up Students willing to discuss what they have read.
Inner Circle
Outer Circle
Students willing to discuss what they have read.
Do not have to speak, but are encouraged to do so.
Students focus on one student in the inner circle
Complete a tally sheet
Hot seat: 1 chair is open to make a statement in the inner circle

8. Reflection Students end the seminar writing a reflection about:
The best questions
What they learned and if their opinions changed
What they wished they could have said
New questions that arose