Introduction to Socratic Seminars

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Introduction to Socratic Seminars

• Ms. Catsos
• World History

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What does Socratic mean?

• Socrates lived in Athens from 470 to 399 BC
• He was a philosopher and teacher who believed the
  best way to attain knowledge was through dialogue

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What was the Socratic method?

• Socrates believed that it was more important to
  enable students to think for themselves than to
  merely fill their heads with "right" answers.
• He used to lounge around the marketplace of
  Athens, asking fellow citizens about their
  beliefs.
• He would ask students a series of questions and
  challenge their answers.

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The unexamined life is not worth
living. -Socrates

• What do you think this quote means?

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What happened to Socrates?

• Many Athenians thought his questions threatened
  accepted traditions.
• At age 70, he was accused of corrupting the
  citys youth and was forced to drink poison.
• Most of what we know about Socrates comes from
  his most famous student, Plato.

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So, what is a Socratic Seminar?

• A Socratic seminar is a discussion about a common
  text.
• We review the text carefully and come up with
  discussion questions about it.
• Students divide into two groups and take turns in
  the inner and outer circle.

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Inner circle, outer circle

• The inner circle has a dialogue about the text
  and tries to fully understand it while the outer
  circle listens.
• After about 20 minutes, the groups switch.

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Guidelines for Socratic Seminar

• 1. Refer to the text often during the discussion.
• 2. It's OK to "pass" when asked to contribute.
• 3. Do not stay confused ask for clarification.
• 4. Stick to the point currently under discussion
  make notes about ideas you want to come back to.
• 5. You don't need to raise hands take turns
  speaking.
• 6. Listen carefully and make sure everyone gets
  to talk.
• 7. Speak up so that all can hear you.
• 8. Talk to each other, not just to the leader or
  teacher.

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Possible Questions to Ask

• Here is my view and how I arrived at it. How does
  it sound to you?
• Were you surprised when _______________________?
• What would you do (or say) if you were
  __________________?
• What is the main idea of this text?
• If _____________ were writing (composing,
  painting, etc.) today, what would be different
  about this work?
• What does the term _______________________ mean?
• How does this idea connect to ____________________
  _______? (Refer to another passage in the text or
  to another text.)
• I dont understand ____________________.
• What do you think about ___________________?
• How does ________________ relate to your life?
• ________________ reminds me of _______________.

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How will I be graded?

• Each student in the A group will be assigned a
  partner in the B group.
• Whoever is in the outer circle will observe their
  partner and grade them.
• Record a check for each time your partner
  contributed in a meaningful way.

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Socratic Seminar Rubric

• On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest, how
  well did your partner do at the following?
• Analysis and Reasoning
• Did your partner.
• Cite reasons and evidence for his/her statements
  with support from the text?
• Demonstrate that they had given thoughtful
  consideration to the topic?
• Provide relevant and insightful comments?
• Demonstrate organized thinking?
• Move the discussion to a deeper level?

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Socratic Seminar Rubric

• On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest, how
  well did your partner do at the following?
• Discussion Skills
• Did your partner
• Speak loudly and clearly?
• Stay on topic?
• Talk directly to other students rather than the
  teacher?
• Stay focused on the discussion?
• Invite other people into the discussion?
• Share air time equally with others (didnt talk
  more than was fair to others)?

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Socratic Seminar Rubric

• On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest, how
  well did your partner do at the
  following?RespectDid your partner
• Listen to others respectfully?
• Enter the discussion in a polite manner?
• Avoid inappropriate language (slang, swearing)?
• Avoid hostile exchanges?
• Question others in a civil manner?

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Todays Text Crito by Plato

• Crito describes the final night of Socrates
  life.
• Socrates tells his friend Crito why he is
  refusing to go against the legal ruling of Athens
  and accepts his death.
• This has become known as the social contract
  between a government and its citizens.