Socratic Seminar

What is a Socratic Seminar?• Originated with a man named

Socrates, who was a Greek philosopher.

• He developed a method of discussion that encourages a dialogue by asking questions about a text.• There are no “wrong” answers.

• Information comes in the form of thoughtful questions that lead to other thoughtful questions.

Why? Socratic seminars are an excellent way of

discovering more about a text together, without a teacher telling you what is wrong or right.

Students get the chance to debate about issues and characters in the book without a teacher’s influence

Humans learn more A. When they are questioning B. When they are teaching or sharing

knowledge with others

One main goal:

Enlarged understanding of the text

In this case, Fahrenheit 451 Also, your test is Friday, so this is a great way to

review!

What will be the procedure? I will be just a facilitator – someone who

keeps the group focused on the question being discussed.

This will be a student run- student based discussion.

You will have a student leader to keep the discussion relevant and moving.

The goal is to make three to five insightful comments each on questions that are being discussed.

You will keep track of your participation with tallies on the homework you prepared for the seminar

Your leader will keep the discussion going and call on people for new questions as time allows or if needed

Pre-Seminar Preparation

You will be given a question to think about and come prepared to discuss as a group.

You will also come with your own questions that you prepared ahead of time : Two “close – ended” questions (clarification) Two “open – ended” questions (thought)

We may not get to all the questions. You will be graded on your thoughtful

preparation and participation.

The Seminar Guidelines:1. Come prepared to participate: - You have done the reading - Answer your entry question, thoughtfully,

before class (it should be typed!) - Prepare and bring to class your other four

questions (also typed and on the same page)2. Don’t raise your hand – if you have a comment to

make, wait your turn.3. Listen carefully- so you can make appropriate

and focused comments.

Guidelines cont.4. Do not stay confused – ask for

clarification.5. Speak up so all can hear you.6. Talk to the group – not just the

leader.7. Invite others into the discussion.8. Discuss ideas that relate to the

question being discussed and relate discussion to the book.

9. You are responsible for the seminar.

Expectations of Participants:I will consider did they…1. Speak loudly and clearly?2. Cite reasons and evidence for their statements?3. Use the text to find support?4. Stick with the subject?5. Talk to each other, not just the leader?6. Summarize ideas accurately?7. Ask for help to clear up confusion?8. Seem prepared?9. Act polite and supportive to others?

Homework to prepare: Answer the focus question:

Which is a more powerful motivation: hope or fear? Explain your answer using examples from F451 in a well written, typed paragraph.

Prepare 4 questions (on the same page), 2 that are open-ended (thought questions), 2 that are closed-ended (clarification questions)

Bring your copy of F451 to refer to during discussion

Warning/word to the wise: I will check your work when we arrive

tomorrow. Those who aren’t prepared WILL NOT PARTICIPATE and therefore will earn a 0 out of 15 points.

EVERYONE is expected to participate, which means no one is allowed to dominate or hog the conversation. Your grade will be penalized if you

overshare (red card).