{Socratic Seminar

What it is, how to do it!

The philosopher Socrates (469-399 BCE) believed that enabling students to think for themselves was more important than filling their heads with the “right answers.”

In a seminar, participants

seek a deeper understanding of complex ideas through rigorously thoughtful dialogue, rather than by memorizing bits of information.

-Asking questions is the key!

-A leader prompts the dialogue.

-Participants learn to be less attached to their ideas and less reliant on persuasion for influencing opinions.

-Dialogue is a skill of collaboration that enables groups to create collective thinking.

Starting Dialogue…

NOTdebate!!

Dialogue

• Is oppositional

• One listens to counter arguments

• Affirm one’s own point of view

• Defend assumptions as truth

• Creates a close-minded attitude

DEBATE…

• Is collaborative• One listens to find

common ground• Enlarges points of

view• Reveals assumptions

for re-evaluation• Creates an open-

minded attitude

DIALOGUE…

A successful seminar consists of 4 elements:

1.The text being considered

2.The questions raised

3.The seminar leader

4.The participants

Socratic Seminar texts are chosen for their richness

in ideas, issues, and values, and their ability to stimulate extended, thoughtful dialogue.

An opening question DOES NOT HAVE A RIGHT ANSWER—it reflects genuine curiosity on the part of the reader.

Should corporations have the right to refuse healthcare benefits to gay spouses?

-Plays a dual role as leader and participant-Thoughtfully leads a curious exploration of ideas in the text-Acts as a seminar participant who actively engages in the group exploration of the text.-Helps participants clarify their thoughts when they get confused-Tries to involve quiet participants and restrain their more vocal peers

The seminar leader…

Seminars are best when participants:

-Have studied the text closely in advance.

-Listen actively.

-Share their ideas and questions in response to others.

-Search for evidence in the text to support their ideas.

Example seminar questions:

-How did you come to that conclusion?-What would you say to someone who said __?-Are the reasons adequate? Why?-What led you to that belief?-How does that apply to this case?-What would change your mind?-Who would know if that’s true?-What did you mean by “they?”-What view would be in opposition to what you are saying?