Socratic Seminars What is a Socratic seminar An

Socratic Seminars

What is a Socratic seminar? • An organized discussion forum to explore a universal question relating to a text/group of texts • Participants are in two groups – observers and discussers. • The roles switch halfway through seminar • The point is to discuss ideas and make connections!

The Rules - Discussers • Inner circle • Be aware of the intricacies of discussion. Take turns, but have it be organic. Have a balance! • As you make statements and refer to the text, focus on continuing the conversation. • Try to promote open-ended questioning and divergent thinking and responses. • A tolerant, open atmosphere is maintained at all times – everyone’s viewpoint is valuable and welcome. This is a dialogue, not a debate.

The Rules - Observers • Outer circle • Observers do not talk, but listen and take notes • Observers: this is your chance to consider OTHERS’ ideas related to a topic, without giving in to the urge to jump in with YOUR opinion. • Things to write down: – Statements/questions you agree/disagree with – Interesting or unusual connections (to text or real life) – Your own questions/thoughts in response to statements made

During Seminar: Good Participation: Poor Participation: -Making analogies -Making a relevant point -Responding to a question -Drawing another person into conversation -Using factual or specific evidence -Asking a clarifying question -Moving the discussion along -Not paying attention -Distracting others -Interrupting -Irrelevant comments -Monopolizing -Personal attacks

Socratic Seminar Preparation: Questions Close-ended question – Write a question about the text that will help everyone in the class come to agreement about events or characters in the text. - These have right or wrong answers - Who, What, Where, When questions - Example: Where did Thoreau go and why did he go there (in the excerpt from “Where I Lived, and What I Lived For”)?

Socratic Seminar Preparation: Questions Open-ended question – What does it mean? You can find the answer in the text, but it requires justification. - WHY or HOW questions - Example: Why does Wilson include both hypothetical texts as part of his essay “The Future of Life”? How does this help to achieve his purpose?

Socratic Seminar Preparation: Questions World connection question – Write a question connecting the text to the real world. - Would you separate yourself from society like Thoreau did? If yes, for how long? If no, why not?

Socratic Seminar Preparation: Questions Universal – why does it matter? BIG questions dealing with themes of the text with no one correct answer. - Why do humans destroy (or preserve) nature? - Why do humans tell others about their experiences? - What is the relationship between frontier, nature, humanity, and hope?

Seminar Grading • Summative scores for 1 st semester • SL. 11 -12. 1. a - Come to discussions prepared; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence from texts and other research on the topic or issue to stimulate a thoughtful, well-reasoned exchange of ideas. • SL. 11 -12. 1. b - Work with peers to promote civil, democratic discussions and decision-making, set clear goals and deadlines, and establish individual roles as needed. • SL. 11 -12. 1. c – Propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that probe reasoning and evidence; ensure a hearing for a full range of positions on a topic or issue; clarify, verify, or challenge ideas and conclusions; etc.

Today’s Assignment: • Write 2 -3 of each question type: – close-ended questions – open-ended questions – world connection questions – universal theme questions – Use the four texts from the nature unit. You may make connections to other texts/current events as well. This is due at the end of the period.