Socratic Seminar

This activity can be completed in a number of different ways and modified to meet the needs of the students and teacher. Depending on the students academic level the questions developed can be challenging, or basic. Text/Reading All students need to read the text in prior to participating. The text should contain important content or key ideas to be further explored beyond just the reading. Number the paragraphs would be useful for students to reference while discussing the text, and referencing the passage. Classroom Set up While usually done in a circle, the classroom should be arranged so that students can look at each other. Student can also use their desk, and have students use name card so others in the class can reference them if they are not familiar with everyones name in class; others prefer simply to use chairs without desks. The discussion norms should be prominently posted. Some teachers like to also post the initial key question. Questions Teachers need to prepare with a number of questions to get the group started, or to keep the conversation going, and sometimes to redirect the group. Tips Every student needs to participate. Pre-work may be necessary. This can be useful as a culminating event, or completed as an activity prior to writing a paper. A time limit may need to be set, so that way students remain aware of the need to get to stay on track.

Other roles/jobs can be given to students. Facilitator, timekeeper, redirector, tracker. Students can bring their pre-work or questions with them to the discussion, or it can be done at random.