SOCRATIC SEMINAR What is a Socratic Seminar Socratic

SOCRATIC SEMINAR

What is a Socratic Seminar? � Socratic – Socrates (470 -399 B. C. ) �Classical Greek Philosopher who developed the Theory of Knowledge

Dialect and how it was used. • Introduction of a topic Issue • Discuss obvious aspects and then • Socrates would feign ignorance Discussion • Others’ ideas would be drawn out Truth • Truth is not about right or wrong…or an end. • Sometimes the discussion would end inconclusively but would end with new perspectives

Why do it? � English and school is not always about the subjects we teach, but about the SKILLS we give you. � Our classes and subjects are just a VEHICLE. � You are readers, writers, mathematicians, biologists, chemists, etc. when you enter into their classrooms. � But most importantly…you are….

THINKERS Reading Listening THINKING Speaking Writing

Socratic Seminar � Collective Inquiry � An Exchange of Ideas � No “Right” Answers Goal: An enlarged, shared understanding of ideas, issues, or values through DIALOGUE.

Read and highlight � Read the handout “Dialogue and Debate” and highlight key words that define both dialogue and debate. � You may want to have 2 different highlighters to differentiate between Dialogue and Debate.

With a partner � Discuss what a “good” dialogue should look, sound and feel like. � Also discuss what the purpose of dialogue is. � Come up with a definition of dialogue.

What is “dialogue”? Some people think that dialogue looks like and FEELS like this:

But it should look and feel like THIS

The Elements of a Socratic Seminar

Socratic Seminar: Ground Rules 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Speak so that all can hear you Listen closely Speak without raising hands. Take turns Refer to the text Talk to each other, not just to the leader or the person who you are responding to Ask for clarification. Don’t stay confused. Invite and allow others to speak. Consider all viewpoints and Ideas Know that you are responsible for the quality of the seminar.

Inner/Outer Circle � 30 students does not allow for very may people to speak � Part of being in a seminar is to not only speak, but to LISTEN, PROCESS and THE respond � “How can you hear me when you are too busy thinking of what you are going to say next? ”

INNER CIRCLE � You will be participating in the dialogue, speaking, listening and taking notes as you come across new information, “aaha’s” etc.

Outer Circle � Sit directly behind someone in the inner circle. You will be working with them and giving feedback. � Take notes on things you hear in the inner circle. � You will be in the inner circle, but you will be BUILDING on rather than repeating what the inner circle said.

A few things to remember: � You don’t HAVE to be right. � This is NOT a debate � Manage your mouth. �Give others the space to contribute by not monopolizing the conversations. �Don’t be afraid to speak either.

Prep Work 1. Read the text carefully, like you would when reading a love letter. 2. Highlight the phrase or sentence in the text which: • is your favorite • is most ambiguous

Salvador Late or Early – Opening Question � Which pair of words best captures the essence of the text? �Love : Fear �Respect : Pity �Courage : Despair