Socratic Seminar

Dialogue VS Debate

What does Socratic mean?

Socratic comes from the name Socrates who was a classical Greek philosopher; he developed a Theory of Knowledge

What was Socrates Theory of Knowledge?

Socrates was convinced that the surest way to gain knowledge was through the practice of conversation or DIALOGUE.

What is DIALOGUE?Conversation between two or more persons

The exchange of ideas or opinions on a particular topic or idea

NOT A DEBATE!!!

What is a Socratic Seminar?

A method to try to understand information by creating an in-class dialogue based on a specific text, film, or picture.

The participants seek deeper understanding on complex ideas through rigorously thoughtful dialogue, rather than memorizing bits of information.

What are the benefits?Provides opportunities for critical reading of texts.

Teaches respect for diverse ideas, people, and practices.

Enhances students’ knowledge.

Develops critical thinking, self-esteem, and problem solving.

ElementsTHE TEXT – Can be a reading, movie, or picture.

THE QUESTION(s) – Has no right answer

THE LEADER – Keeps discussion flowing

THE PARTICIPANTS – Study the text, listen actively, share ideas, and questions in response to others.

Keys to SuccessChoose and read text carefully

Craft Guiding Question

Review seminar procedures

Conduct seminar

Debrief seminar

3 Simple RulesLISTEN – No one can speak while someone else is speaking. The other person’s sentence must be completed. 3 THAN ME!!!

BUILD – Speakers must attempt to build on others’ comments rather than debate or contradict.

REFER TO THE TEXT – As often as possible, speakers must refer to the text directly to a specific section of the text rather than making general comments or observations.

LET’S PRACTICE!!!

THE END

Pre-Reading ActivityMaking Connections Through Language

On your index card, write a sentence using 5 – 6 of the words listed below.

admissions applicant higher education

prejudice qualifications holistic

inconsistent individual

Reading Purpose Marking The Text

Key Terms

Underline the author’s claims

Circle

After Reading ActivityOn your post-it note, write one higher level question.

Find two other people and form a group of three.

Read your questions out-loud to each other.

Choose the best question out of the three.

Decide who will be the pilot and co-pilots.

ReflectionOn the back of your index card, please answer the following questions:

1) What was the best point made during the seminar?

2) What ideas did you agree or disagree with?

3) What questions do you still have?

4) How can you include Socratic Seminars in your class?

Enjoy your weekend!!!Questions???