Socratic Seminar
Socratic Seminar
A Socratic Seminar is a collaborative, intellectual dialogue
about a text, facilitated with open-ended questions.Definition
2The main purpose of a seminar is to arrive at a fuller
understanding of the ideas and values in our text, ourselves, and
of each other.Purpose
As the facilitator, Mrs. Bigler, is primarily responsible for
asking challenging, open-ended questions. Mrs. Bigler will take a
variety of notes to keep up with the talk-turns and flow of
ideasMrs. Bigler will help move the discussion along in a
productive direction by asking follow-up questions based on her
notes.Roles
As participants, you are being asked to think, listen, and speak
candidly about your thoughts, reactions, and ideas. You can help
each other use each others names.You do not need to raise your hand
in order to speak; rather, the discussion is collaborative in that
you try to stay focused on the main speaker and wait your turn to
talk.You should try to both agree and disagree in a courteous,
thoughtful manner. For example, you might say, I disagree with
Joanna because, focusing on the ideas involved, not the
individuals.Roles, continued
Think about how we normally participate in a discussion as a
group. Consider what goal we can set for ourselves that will help
the flow of the seminar.Here are some common group goals:Focus on
ideas and values embedded in textKeep an open mindInvite everyone
to share their ideasUse others namesRemember that one person speaks
at a timeGroup Process Goal
Please consider the list of personal participation goals listed
on the following slides. Is there one that is a particular
challenge for you? Please choose one goal from the list and commit
to achieving it during the discussion. Prepare to commit to this
goal in class for our seminar.
Personal Participation Goal
Look at speakerDo not talk while speaker is addressing
classSpeak voluntarily at least twiceSpeak loudly enough that
everyone can hear youUse others namesShare talk timeMake clear,
accurate statementRefer to textAsk a questionNovice Personal
Goals
Speak using relevant vocabulary and standard grammarRefer to
text and other relevant sourcesTake notes on discussionComment on
positive/negative implications of topicTest assumptions and explore
inferencesConsider multiple points of viewAcknowledge changes in
ones own perspectiveAdd global/holistic interpretation to previous
statementAdvanced Personal Goals
Come to class tomorrow prepared with your personal goals as well
as any notes and/or questions you have from this slide show.
Feel free to replay this show.
Information provided here was taken directly from the Paideia
website in conjunction with the National Paideia Center.
Tomorrow
