Background:
The Socratic method of teaching is based on Socrates' theory that it is more important to enable
students to think for themselves than to merely fill their heads with "right" answers. Therefore, he
regularly engaged his pupils in dialogues by responding to their questions with questions, instead of
answers. This process encourages divergent thinking rather than convergent.
Students are given opportunities to "examine" a common piece of text, whether it is in the form of a
novel, poem, art print, or piece of music. After "reading" the common text "like a love letter", open-
ended questions are posed.
Open-ended questions allow students to think critically, analyze multiple meanings in text, and
express ideas with clarity and confidence. After all, a certain degree of emotional safety is felt by
participants when they understand that this format is based on dialogue and not discussion/debate.
Dialogue is exploratory and involves the suspension of biases and prejudices. Discussion/debate is a
transfer of information designed to win an argument and bring closure. Americans are great at
discussion/debate. We do not dialogue well. However, once teachers and students learn to dialogue,
they find that the ability to ask meaningful questions that stimulate thoughtful interchanges of ideas
is more important than "the answer."
Participants in a Socratic Seminar respond to one another with respect by carefully listening instead
of interrupting. Students are encouraged to "paraphrase" essential elements of another's ideas before
responding, either in support of or in disagreement. Members of the dialogue look each other in the
"eyes" and use each other names. This simple act of socialization reinforces appropriate behaviors
and promotes team building.
Below are some basic guidelines for Socratic Seminars. You will be given specific instructions for
each Socratic Seminar we have.
Pre-Seminar Question-Writing: Before you come to a Socratic Seminar class, please read the
assigned text (novel section, poem, essay, article, etc.) think about and write at least one question in
each of the following categories:
WORLD CONNECTION QUESTION: Write a question connecting the text to the real world.
CLOSE-ENDED QUESTION: Write a question about the text that will help everyone in the class come
to an agreement about events or characters in the text. This question usually has a "correct" answer.
OPEN-ENDED QUESTION: Write an insightful question about the text that will require proof_and
group discussion and "construction of logic" to discover or explore the answer to the question
UNIVERSAL THEME/ CORE QUESTION: Write a question dealing with a theme(s) of the text that will
encourage group discussion about the universality of the text.
LITERARY ANALYSIS QUESTION: Write a question dealing with HOW an author chose to compose a
literary piece. How did the author manipulate point of view, characterization, poetic form, archetypal
hero patterns, for example
Guidelines for Participants in a Socratic Seminar:
1. Refer to the text when needed during the discussion. A seminar is not a test of memory. You
are not "learning a subject"; your goal is to understand the ideas, issues, and values reflected in the
text.
2. It's OK to "pass" when asked to contribute.
3. Do not participate if you are not prepared. A seminar should not be a bull session.
4. Do not stay confused; ask for clarification.
5. Stick to the point currently under discussion; make notes about ideas you want to come back
to.
6. Don't raise hands; take turns speaking.
7. Listen carefully.
8. Speak up so that all can hear you.
9. Talk to each other, not just to the leader or teacher.
10. Discuss ideas rather than each other's opinions.
11. You are responsible for the seminar, even if you don't know it or admit it.
Expectations of Participants in a Socratic Seminar:
When I am evaluating your Socratic Seminar participation, I ask the following questions about
participants.
Did they
.
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?