Socratic Seminar
What is a Socratic Seminar? (quick overview)
The class will either read an article that they take notes over and prepare for a discussion over or it will be used as a review for material covered in a particular unit. In class we get in a big circle and face each other for the discussion. The discussion is graded and the more you participate, the better grade you will receive. Once the
discussion is over everyone should have a clear understanding of the article.
Procedure:
1. Everyone will receive an article to read and take notes over (notes will be graded)
2. During class we will put the desks in a circle so that everyone can see and hear each other
3. Everyone is expected to be respectful and participate
4. Rules to follow:
a. Take turns participating
b. Raise your hand to participate
c. I will call on you to participate- so wait for that
d. Do not interrupt another person while they are speaking
e. Speak up so that all can hear you
f. Listen carefully because you may go off of what another person comments on
g. Be prepared, but you can refer to your notes
h. Stick to the topic
5. I will begin by asking a question about the article- either students will raise their hand to answer or I will call on a student to participate
6. Ways to participate: answer a question in detail, ask a deep meaning/continuation question and stimulate discussion (not a question that has a simple answer or you obviously know that answer to already), give your opinion in detail, or give feedback to another person’s answer.
7. Students will be expected to participate a certain number of times during the discussion
8. Students will be graded by the number of times that they participate in the discussion and that number will
be determined before the discussion begins