Using Socratic Seminar
Great Way to Encourage Student Discussion
What Is A Socratic Seminar?
A strategy to achieve a deeper understanding about ideas and values in a text, photo, and to encourage independent thinking, constructing meaning through analysis, listening and participating.
Students carry the burden of responsibility for the quality of the discussion. Good discussions occur when students study the information closely in advance, listen actively, share their ideas and search for evidence. It is important to stress the discussion is not about right answers, it is not a debate. Students are encouraged to think out loud and to exchange ideas openly while examining ideas in a thoughtful manner.
Before The Seminar:
- The classroom should be arranged so that all can look at each other directly - a circle or square works well. I have used desks, tables and simply use chairs in a circle with their clipboards.
- Discussion norms should be prominently posted along. I like to post the initial key question as a starting point for the discussion to begin.
- Have the students prepare several questions in advance - questions should be open-ended questions - have them stay away from yes/no answers.
During The Seminar:
- Sit in the circle with the group - remind them to address each other and not you.
- Pose the key question - then become the guide to instruction, not the giver of instruction - you are the facilitator.
- Keep track of who participates - I like to use the Harkness Method of keeping track of who speaks - in the end, a good discussion with this method ends up looking like a spider web.
Harkness Method - What is it?
Way to keep track of student participants and responses
Harkness Method II
Room set up for use
Basic Socratic Seminar Ground Rules
Posted clearly for all to see
After The Seminar
- As a whole class, ask debriefing questions of the students
- Share your thoughts with the seminar as a facilitator
- Share your Harkness "spiderweb" with the class
- Have the students answer a discussion/partner evaluation
- Finish up with a Socratic Reflective Writing Assignment
Variation of Socratic Seminar
- Inner/Outer Circle - As the name implies - rules are basically the same, yet instead of one circle you have an inner and an outer circle - those in the inner circle are the ones doing the discussing - those in the outer are the listeners/questioners. Students can move back and forth from inner to outer as needed.
- Harkness Method Discussion - have to admit this is one of my favorites, but you really have to be willing to give up teacher control in terms of which way the discussion flows - same rules as Socratic but much more fluid and student-led.
Questions?
Questions? Feel free to stop by and we can further discuss the use of this strategy in your classroom.
Location: Room 324
Twitter: @busybteach