SOCRATIC
SEMINAR
Basic
Differences
Between
Dialogue
and
Debate:
Dialogue |
Debate |
Collaborative |
Oppositional |
Goal
is understanding |
Goal
is proving other side wrong |
Listening
for deeper meaning |
Listening
for flaws |
Re-evaluating
assumptions |
Defending
assumptions |
Open-minded |
Close-minded |
Temporarily
suspending belief |
All-out
defending belief |
Searching
for strength in all positions |
Searching
for weakness in opposition |
Open-ended |
Demands
closure |
Rules
for
Socratic
Seminar
1.
Refer
to
the
text
when
needed
during
the
discussion.
A
seminar
is
not
a
test
of
memory.
You
are
not "learning
a subject";
your
goal
is
to
understand
the
ideas,
issues,
and
values
reflected
in
the
text.
2. It
is OK
to "pass" when
asked
to
contribute.
3. Do
not
participate
if
you
are
not
prepared.
4. Do
not
stay
confused;
ask
for
clarification.
5.
Stick
to the
point
currently
under
discussion;
make
notes
about
ideas
you
want
to come
back
to.
6.
Do not
raise
hands;
take
turns
speaking.
7. Listen
carefully.
8.
Speak
up so
that
all
can
hear
you.
Socratic
Seminar:
Participation
Tally:
Participant_____________________________
Evaluator______________________________
Date_________________________________
Topic/Title_____________________________
* Place
a tally
mark
in the
appropriate
section
each
time
it is
evident
Number
of Comments :
How
often did participant
speak?
Did
participant interrupt people?
Did
participant talk to class
rather than teacher? |
Cites
the Text :
Uses
examples/evidence from
video/notes/text/graphic? |
Asks
or Responds to Questions:
Did
participant listen to
others?
Did
participant ask a question
to the group?
Did
participant respond to a
question posed? |
Uses
Habits of Mind:
Did
participant restate the
question in the response? |
Socratic
Seminar
Reflection
Name:
Date:
Reflect
on the
Socratic
Seminar
– Did
you
agree
with
the
views
offered?
Did
you
feel
everyone
had
an opportunity
to contribute?
Did
the
seminar
contribute
to your
understanding
of the
text?
|
