1. 1 10-23-15 Periods 3 and 4 EQ: What is your life’s blueprint? Topic: Introduction to Socratic seminars Class discussion:Please get into socratic seminar format and then take out your questions and your reading of the text..

2. 2 10-23-15 Periods 7 EQ: What is Swift’s Modest Proposal? Topic: Introduction to Socratic seminars Class discussion:Please get into socratic seminar format and then take out your questions and your reading of the text..

3. 3 Four Elements An effective seminar consists of four interdependent elements: 1.the text being considered 2.the questions raised 3.the seminar leader, and 4.the participants

4. 4 The Leader Plays a dual role as leader and participant – Consciously leads a thoughtful exploration of the ideas in the text. – As a seminar participant, actively engages in the group's exploration of the text.

5. 5 The Leader Helps participants clarify their positions when arguments become confused Involves reluctant participants while restraining their more vocal peers

6. 6 The Participants Share responsibility for the quality of the seminar. Most effective when participants: –study the text closely in advance –listen actively

7. 7 Conducting a “Fishbowl” A strategy to use when you have a LARGE class (over 25 students) Divide the class into “Inner” and “Outer” circles

8. 8 Example Questions By what reasoning did you come to that conclusion? What would you say to someone who said __? Are the reasons adequate? Why? What led you to that belief? How does that apply to this case? What would change your mind? Who is in the position to know if that is so? Why did you say “they?” What view would be in opposition to what you are saying?

9. 9 Directions: 1) The outer circle must take notes of the discussion going on in the inner circle by following the inner circle and outer circle worksheet. 2) The outer circle must check the amount of times their inner circle responds to a question, is distracted, making eye contact etc… 3) Each inner circle participant MUST participate within the socratic seminar! There are NO EXCEPTIONS!

10. 10 The Leader and Participants: -Please follow the rules of one mic and always refer to the text! -The Socratic seminar leader will now ask an opening question to start the discussion! -You may now begin!