Socratic Seminar What is a Socratic Seminar In

Socratic Seminar

What is a Socratic Seminar? In a Socratic Seminar participants seek deeper understanding of complex ideas through thoughtful dialogue. This process takes place through discussion and helps us gain understanding as opposed to just memorizing facts.

Socrates wasn’t interested in “right” or “wrong” answers. Socrates believed it was more important to have students think for themselves rather than fill their heads with “right” answers. He also believed that having a conversation or dialogue was way more important than something like a test.

How does a Socratic Seminar begin? A Socratic Seminar opens with a question that is posed by the seminar leader. An opening question has no right or wrong answer; instead it reflects a genuine curiosity on a topic that we have covered in class.

What is your role in the Socratic Seminar? • Prepare by reading the text • Be able to talk about the text in a knowledgable and meaningful way • Be able to share your opinions about the text and provide textual support (evidence) • Ask additional questions that pertain to the issue at hand

Guidelines and Expectations • A seminar is not a test of memory. Your goal is to understand the ideas, issues, themes, and values that surround the dialogue. • If you are confused, do not STAY confused. If you have a question, you should ask. You may be adding something very useful to the dialogue.

Guidelines and Expectations • Stick to the point currently under discussion. • Listen to your classmates with an openmind. • Speak clearly so all you can hear. • Talk to the entire class not just the leader. • Do not raise hands – have a discussion. • Give everyone a chance to speak

Guidelines and Expectations • This is a discussion/dialogue not a debate. • Respond thoughtfully • BE PREPARED!!!

How do we do it? • Desks arranged in a circle. • Bring your book. • Rules posted. • Students bring their “cheat sheet ” • Leader is ready with an opening question. • Participants respond with textual evidence for support. • Participants respond with questions to information they hear. • Students do not raise hands.

How am I going to be graded? Let’s take a look at the rubric: You will be graded in five different categories with a maximum of 20 points per category for a total of 100 summative assessment points.

How am I going to be graded? Preparation Student is thoroughly familiar/knowledgeable with the text & materials assigned; is superbly prepared. Student brings book, cheat sheet, and bookmark to class.

How am I going to be graded? Quality of Responses • - : you speak just to “get a grade” • + : you make a comment with a little bit of thought or you just repeat what someone else said • √ : you give your opinion without text support

• √- : you “hitchhike” on a comment someone else make and you ADD a new element/opinion • √+ : you contribute to the conversation with an insightful comment and textual support • √++ : you enlighten classmates, cite text, and you explain the connection

How am I going to be graded? Refers appropriately to text when speaking Easily points to relevant passages effectively throughout the discussion.

How am I going to be graded? Asks appropriate questions Ask questions that were prepared for the discussion; provokes other comments or questions that relate to the ideas presented during the discussion.

How am I going to be graded? Listens closely/ does not distract or interrupt Listens well and is never off task.

One more question, what’s a “cheat sheet”? A “cheat sheet” is something you work on before the actual Socratic Seminar. It organizes your thoughts and helps you find textual support easily, so when you offer your opinion you can give a quote from the book and explain it.

One more question, what’s a “cheat sheet”? Also, I am going to give you every main question that will be asked during the Socratic Seminar. Lastly, I will collect your cheat sheet at the end of the Socratic Seminar.

What if I am absent the day of the Socratic Seminar? If there are enough absences, I will hold one make-up Socratic Seminar after school and it will be your responsibility to attend in order to get your points. Failure to attend the make-up Socratic Seminar, will result in a zero.