Sara Zavala

Ms. Storer
American Literature, Block 4
September 20, 2019
Socratic Circle Reflection on “The Crucible”
During my individual performance in the Socratic seminar, I would consider my
preparation to be insufficient. Through the progression of the seminar, my ideas were not clear,
and I did not have the adequate notes to reference myself from. Unfortunately, I only contributed
twice to the inner circle, but provided valuable context; when I did speak, I had been organizing
my idea for a while, which led to good quality. Regarding my contribution to teamwork, I reflect
it as null, because when I was formulating an idea to express the subject would change rather
quickly. The feedback I provided to my classmate, can be rated as explicit and complete, I was
able to provide good feedback because I dedicated myself to observe their contributions, and
lack of them. By introducing new perspectives and points of view I could have improved what
emerged during the Socratic circle. I will make an effort to be more outgoing in the next Socratic
circle.
Throughout the Socratic circle, I came to realize my group was as unprepared as I was,
when new standpoints would arise my classmates would go silent for a few minutes. The overall
quality of the conversation was excellent, it made me see the subject discussed from a different
perspective, even though my classmates seemed unprepared, their thorough understanding of the
book resulted in a brilliant discussion. The teamwork displayed in my group was outstanding,
classmates would invite other classmates into the argument; I believe it resides in choosing the
right person to lead the discussion. I appreciated the feedback my group provided for me, but a
more profound explanation of what I could have improved, would have benefited me and my
Socratic circle greatly.
There is a great importance in expressing ideas, because it helps in prospering
perspectives and the deeper understanding of the story.
The importance of expressing ideas is significant because with them, the group as an
entirety can thrive from it, develop new perspectives and ideas. When new ideas are introduced
to a group, new points of view are introduced as well. Which helps with further understanding of
the subject being discussed. Another major point regarding the importance of expressing ideas is,
the deeper understanding of the story. Even though a person might comprehend in its entirety the
story, when it is discussed in a group and new ideas and points of views are expressed, the
deeper meaning of the debate will surface.
I have realized through my years of learning, that revealing your ideas is a magnificent
way of prospering in general. Last year in my English class I considered myself to be a shy
person and would rarely participate in group activities and Socratic seminars; unsurprisingly my
grade started to drop, which made me very sad. As time passed by in class and I began to gain
confidence in my works, and ideas I began participating frequently in Socratic seminars, my
grade improvised immensely. As well as through music and art, the more you express your ideas
towards the discussion the more intriguing it may seem, once I went to an art exhibition with my
family, I was contemplating the art, when my father suddenly began to explain to me, what he
thought was the significance and meaning of the piece of art. During his explanation I was
astounded because my idea and understanding of the art was completely different, but I was able
to see the art from two different perspectives, which led to a deeper, fuller understanding of the
discussion which was in this case a piece if art.