Socratic Seminar

1. Socratic Seminar An introduction 1

2. Socrates 2 • “Let him that would move the world, first move himself.” • Socrates

3. Dialogue • Collaborative: shared understanding • One listens to understand, to make meaning, and to find common ground • Creates an open-minded atmosphere, an openness to being wrong, and a willingness to accept all viewpoints Debate • Oppositional: Opposite sides trying to prove each other wrong • One listens to find flaws, to spot differences, and to find arguments • Creates a close-minded attitude, a determination to be right, and defends his/her belief that he/she is right Dialogue vs. Debate 3

4. *Socratic Seminar 4 • A collaborative, intellectual dialogue facilitated with open-ended questions about a text Purpose: • To achieve a deeper understanding about the ideas and values in a text. • To examine key issues and principles from various points of view • To connect the deeper meanings to self and others

5. How it Works: 5 • Make sure you have your “ticket” questions with you • Enter the classroom with complete order and sophistication. Find your seat and be ready for seminar! • Fishbowl

6. Leader & Encourager.for each fishbowl… 6 • A “Leader” will begin the discussion by opening up with one of the prepared questions, add questions, move the discussion along, etc. • An “Encourager” will record who speaks, track the type of responses (Q, R, C), compliment speakers’ ideas, and refer to others’ ideas when speaking him/herself. • Encourager will prompt people to speak or encourage you with regard to a point made

7. The Seminar consists of three phases1. Opening: 7 • The “Leader” asks the first question and any panel member my begin by responding • Panel members listen and respond as they are inclined

8. 2. Discussion (Ticket Q’s) 8 Ticket questions are the foundation: • TQs are posed by the “Leader” • Follow-up ideas, important points, and new questions evolve through the discussion • Refer to your text • Apply discussion to the real world, to your real world. • Do not let your discussion die! This is the bulk of the conversation. Length of discussion per question will vary.

9. Hot Seat 9 • A seat reserved for an observer who MUST enter the discussion with an important point. • He/she will return to the outer circle when finished • The “Leader” will make sure the hot seat person is heard.

11. 3. Connection 11 Closing Question – this is were we will summarize our new knowledge, identify new ideas, and understand new perspectives related to the text or issues discussed in seminar

12. Time-Out 12 • If the teacher calls a “time-out”, we step out of the seminar for a moment and function as a regular class with classroom rules. The purpose of a time-out is to reflect on how things are going, or to allow the facilitator to teach something or adjust the climate of the conversation. • The teacher will call “time-in” to return to seminar.

13. Yellowcard, Red card 13 • A yellow card is given as a warning to anyone who is not following seminar guidelines, especially regarding respect or side conversations • A second violation results in a red card, which means the student can no longer participate

14. Fishbowl Norms (Inner Circle) 14 • Do not raise hands • Listen carefully • Ask a question • Address one another respectfully • Base any opinions on the text • Do not interrupt • Speak at least 3x but monitor “air time” • Refer to the text • Present your own thoughts, but be open and flexible to new ideas based on points made by others

15. Norms for the Outer Circle 15 • No side conversations (talking to peers sitting near you during seminar) • Be respectful: No rude comments or laughing at people • Take notes—write down meaningful comments, disagreeable comments, or “ah-ha” moments, epiphanies. These will help you with your reflection sheet.

16. Participants have 3 main tasks: 16 • Prepare • Participate • Listen, think, respond • Refer to text • Connect to other texts or world • Reflect

17. What you need to do to prepare... 17 • Complete the Reading Guide for Chapters 1-3, The Pearl. • Prepare your Socratic Seminar “ticket” • Understand the story in order to support your opinions by referring to it when speaking

18. Completing your “ticket” 18 • Develop Responses to Core Questions • Respond DEEPLY—beyond the literal. Think about the bigger picture, the real issue, the symbolism; use your own inference or consult outside resources to support your idea. • Ticket must be complete and shown to your teacher to enter the Socratic Seminar.

19. Lack of Preparation: 19 • No “ticket”, no admission • Loss of “ticket points” (late) • Alternative assignment: • Strong note-taking during Seminar • 5-paragraph essay in response to the observed discussion • No higher than a B- **Absence: Your completed “ticket” due with 5-paragraph essay in response to the provided prompt. All Seminar points will be recovered.

20. Reflect: 20 • After your seminar, you will complete the reflection sheet. • Use your notes to recall points made by others or new ideas • Respond carefully and deeply • Turn in your notes and your reflection the day after seminar.

21. Schedule: 21 • Begin working on your ticket questions. • Seminar will be next Tuesday and Wednesday.