Socratic Seminar

In a Socratic Seminar, We….

Refer to the text and use evidence.

Use “I” statements and speak about our experiences.

Respect everyone’s opinion but disagree when appropriate.

Ask each other to explain our opinions.

Build on the comments of others.

Expectations of Participants in a Socratic Seminar

When I am evaluating your Socratic Seminar participation, I ask the following questions about participants. Did they….

When in inner circle:

• Speak loudly and clearly?
• Cite reasons and evidence for their statements?
• Use the text to find support?
• Listen to others respectfully?
• Stick with the subject?
• Talk to each other, not just to the leader?
• Paraphrase accurately?
• Ask for help to clear up confusion?
• Support each other?
• Avoid hostile exchanges?
• Question others in a civil manner?
• Seem prepared?

When in outer circle:

• Complete their assigned task?
• Give insightful feedback?
• Stay quiet throughout the inner circle's seminar?

Source: http://www.studyguide.org/socratic_seminar_student.htm

How to conduct a socratic seminar