Session #12- Socratic Seminars

Learning Outcomes:

CLO 5252.3 Demonstrate an understanding of oral, written, and visual literacy and the ability to promote and instruct on oral, written, and visual literacy in the teaching of social studies and history (TPE 1b, 2, 4, 5, 7, 10).

CLO 5252.4 Demonstrate competence in creating unit plans and instructional programs in Common Core English/Language Arts and Social Studies content areas (TPE 1b, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6c, 7, 9, 10, 11).

CLO 5252.5 Create and implement lessons, assignments, assessments, and other learning tools that provide challenging educational experiences and opportunities for all learners (TPE 1b, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6c, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13).

CLO 5252.6 Provide grade-level learning experiences that create the necessary groundwork for student learning success in subsequent courses (TPE 1b, 4, 5, 6c, 7, 8, 9, 10).

Information:

1. We are meeting online on Tuesday, Nov 15. Please see instructions below.

2. Read & Study Zevin 7 "Planning a Unit from Start to finish"

3. Socratic Seminars.

Basically - Socratic Seminars require students to use the text to justify both questions and answers. They ask each other questions based on their reading and understanding. There is no "opinion" except what can be based on the text. Personal opinion is irrelevant. Opinion or positions based on the text is highly valued. Thus students who are reluctant in offering their personal opinions are free from doing so and participate by citing texts as their answers - not their "beliefs."

Read carefully: How to conduct a Socratic Seminar - These are step-by-step instructions on how to conduct a Socratic Seminar.

Here are adaptations of Socratic Seminars based on age of students: Socratic Circles and Seminars

4. Watch these short videos:

Socratic Seminar and Classroom Questioning. Remember: Socratic Seminars are CENTERED on texts, not opinions.

Demonstration of a Socratic Seminar (with teachers)

Socratic Seminar on the "N-word" (demonstration with students)

Production:

1. Reading Log: For each chapter you read in Zevin and in Drake & Nelson, select at least ONE topic that stood out and tell HOW you will use it in your teaching.

2. Your Unit Plan is expected to utilize a Socratic Seminar.

Next Steps:

If you need a template to use for your Unit Plan, attached below you will find one I recommend. You are free to use whichever format you wish. You can use the one your school requires. I need to see what YOU are doing EACH DAY for at least 2 weeks and what the students will be doing each day as well. The document below is a Google Drive Template which can be found here.

Unit Plan due Week 15.