Embedded Files
EXTEND:
This instructional strategy has students using higher-order discussion techniques, such as Socratic Seminar and Philosophical Chairs, to rehearse how to speak like a scholar within a particular content area. In many college courses, students are expected to speak like a scholar of content in addition to writing about content. This instructional practice includes instructions for how to use some of AVID’s core discussion strategies, such as Socratic Seminar and Philosophical Chairs, to support students as they extend beyond the text to speak like a content expert.
PREPARATION:
Plan for the reading of the chosen text, including activities that will engage students in pre-reading and interacting with the text through multiple reads.
Familiarize yourself with the purpose of Socratic Seminar and Philosophical Chairs and determine which method of discussion is most appropriate for the academic purpose.
If this is the first time that students are engaging in a Socratic Seminar or Philosophical Chairs activity, the process may need to be scaffolded.
Prepare and post a word bank and sentence frames that students can use as they rehearse speaking like a content expert.
Refer to Student Resource: Academic Thinking Skills: Question and Answer Stems for ideas.
STEPS:
REREAD TEXT: After students have read the text multiple times and are ready to discuss it, review the procedures for the chosen discussion technique.
PROMPT: Provide students with an initial discussion prompt for the chosen discussion technique or have them create their own discussion prompts. For Socratic Seminar, the discussion prompt should be an open-ended question without a clear “yes” or “no” answer, since Socratic Seminar is not a debate. For Philosophical Chairs, the prompt should be a statement that leads to a clear debate of opposing viewpoints on the topic.
WRITE: Have students create in their notes an initial response to the prompt before engaging in the discussion. This will help all students prepare something to add to the discussion ahead of time.
SHARE: After students respond to the initial prompt in their notes, have them share their response with a partner to generate ideas for how they can add to their initial response.
VARIATIONS:
You can use a similar structure with other discussion strategies, such as 30-Second Expert, Take Five, World Café, and Four Corners.
EXTENSIONS:
Prior to the discussion, have students create word banks and sentence frames to help them speak like an expert in the discipline that the discussion is centered around.
Page updated
Report abuse