SOCRATIC SEMINARw/ The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Who is Socrates…and why did he have a seminar?

Classic Greek Philosopher Founder of Western Philosophy Ethics Socratic Seminars = a teaching tool that

promotes questioning through dialogue No right answer, deeper exploration of

thought

4 ELEMENTS

Text that raises important questions with no right or wrong answers

Questions are provided by the leader and participants and always lead back to the text

Leader that is a coach to choose the text & ask follow-up questions to guide the discussion (limited)

Participants read the text closely, listen actively, share ideas and questions without being scared, but safe

Dialogue NOT Debate

Goal is understanding

Work together

Respect participants

Open mind

Goal is to prove other’s wrong

There is one right answer

Defending beliefs

Close minded

Dialogue Debate

Before Seminar

Read & mark the text carefully Look for where the author is stating

his/her views or raising questions Think about what you read Make connections to your life and ask

your own questions

During Seminar

Be prepared to participate Refer to the text (“In paragraph 5 it

says…”) Take turns speaking Discuss the text (give evidence), not just

your opinion Show respect & keep an open mind Use the academic scripts to start every

sentence

Class Set Up

Students willing to discuss what they have read.

Do not have to speak, but are encouraged to do so.

Students focus on one student in the inner circle

Complete a tally sheet

Hot seat: 1 chair is open to make a statement in the inner circle

Inner Circle Outer Circle

Reflection

Students end the seminar writing a reflection about: The best questions What they learned and if their opinions

changed What they wished they could have said New questions that arose