Socratic Seminars

The 4 elements of a Socratic seminarDialogue vs. DebateMs. P’s ExpectationsRules of EngagementDebrief/Reflection/Evaluation

The 4 Elements of a Socratic Seminar

Text-can be fiction or non-fiction, should raise questions, stimulate thought, be rich in ideas & issues without creating classroom controversy

Questions-are open-ended (no right/wrong answers) Open-should start the dialogue by being broad Core-specific, text-based, focused on author’s purpose Closing-ties together new understanding of text

Leader-keeps group focused, ensures each question is fully addressed before moving on, maintains order

Participants-come prepared, listen actively, respond respectfully, reflect thoroughly to indicate understanding

Dialogue Debate____Collaborative OppositionalRespectful DemeaningKeeping an open mind Close-mindedSuspending beliefs Defending

beliefsExploring possibilities Being rightSeeking understanding Proving wrongOpen-ended Demanding

finality

Ms. P’s Expectations

Every student is expected to come to class prepared to discuss the topic at hand.

Every student is expected to speak at least one time during the discussion (this is a grade)

Every student must restate what was last said prior to making his or her statement

Every student will submit: A Socratic Reading Guide A Thoughtfully Annotated Text A Reflection as the Exit Slip

Rules of Engagement

The class already created our rules of engagement, which include: Do Not Interrupt No Sidebar Conversations No Irrelevant Anecdotes Address the Statement, NOT the Person Respect Your Peers’ Individual Beliefs Stay Seated Do Not Raise Your Voice Do Not Revert to Immature Behaviors

Debrief, Reflection, Evaluation

In order to encourage you to think about all of the points your peers made during the discussion, you will be asked to complete a reflection as your exit slip.

The reflection will be comprised of: 1 thing you agreed with, who said it, and why you

agreed with it 1 thing you disagreed with, who said it, and why

you disagree with it 3 sentences about your thoughts on the topic,

how the discussion went, what you would do differently next time.