Socratic Seminar Information

Socratic Seminar Description ~ Roddy

What is a Socratic Seminar?

Socratic Seminars are a Summative Assessment where students partake in a conversation around a given topic with related texts.

What are the Goals of a Socratic Seminar?

1. It is designed improve your ability to read closely, interpret figurative language, themes and concepts explored already in class in a new context.

2. It is also a chance for you to practice effective speaking skills, thinking on your feet, and active listening.

3. Lastly, Socratic Seminar will give you an opportunity to apply some of the

and apply those interpretations to the specific passage.

How does one prepare for a Socratic Seminar?

Socratic Seminars will consist of short passages, generally not more than five pages. Your

job will be to take these passages home and read them - CAREFULLY. Practice close reading using the following techniques:

1. The active reader reads with a pen!! Write all over these texts. Write legitimate questions in the margins. Paraphrase wordy parts in your own language. Underline what you see as key passages.

2. Look up, define, and write down any vocabulary you don’t know. We certainly can’t hope to interpret literature without knowing the words used.

3. Reread. You should read this piece at least twice before we work with it in class. Read it. Work on it. Read it again and see if your interpretation makes sense.

4. Come to Seminar prepared with your marked up text, notes, questions, and

definitions. Be prepared to discuss the piece for at least 20 minutes. Note that the second group will be discussing the SAME piece. Be sure to have plenty of material.

What is the format of a Socratic Seminar?

• The class will be split into two groups. Look for your name on the board when you enter.

• The room will be set up in two circles – a center circle consisting of 8 - 12 desks, and an

outer circle consisting of 8 -12 desks.

• Group 1 will discuss the piece on their own for 15 minutes. (with a “fire” desk in the inner circle; participants can enter utilizing this “fire” desk, add a comment and then return to the outside)

• That discussion will continue for another 5 minutes including EVERYONE.

• After 20 minutes, we will stop and the outside circle will give feedback to the inside circle.

More on that later.

• Then we’ll switch. Group 2 will discuss for 15 minutes on their own, then everyone, etc.

Ultimately, the goal of good discussion is to increase the collective understanding of the

text. Everyone should come away with a new piece of information or a new way of seeing this

passage. The goal is NOT to be right. Listen, think, suppose, and interpret. Don’t hold on too

tightly to your interpretation. It may be valid, but it may not be the only one. Keep your mind

open.