Socratic Seminar
Definition: Socratic Seminars are a highly motivating form of
intellectual and scholarly discourse conducted in K-12 classrooms. They usually
range from 30-50 minutes--longer if time allows--once a week. Socratic Seminars foster active learning as
participants explore and evaluate the ideas, issues, and values in a particular
text. An effective seminar consists of four interdependent elements: (1) the
text being considered, (2) the questions raised, (3) the seminar leader, and
(4) the participants.
The Text - A seminar text can
be drawn from readings in literature, history, science, math, health, and
philosophy or from works of art or music.
The Question -
An opening question has no right answer; instead it reflects a genuine curiosity
on the part of the leader. An effective
opening question leads participants back to the text as they speculate,
evaluate, define, and clarify the issues involved. Responses to the opening
question generate new questions from the leader and participants, leading to
new responses. In this way, the line of inquiry evolves on the spot rather than
being predetermined by the leader.
The Leader -
In a Socratic Seminar, the leader plays a dual role as leader and
participant. The seminar leader
consciously demonstrates habits of mind that lead to a thoughtful exploration
of the ideas in the text. As a seminar participant, the leader actively engages
in the group's exploration of the text.
The Participants -
In a Socratic Seminar, participants share with the leader the responsibility
for the quality of the seminar. Effective seminars occur when participants
study the text closely in advance, listen actively, share their ideas and
questions in response to the ideas and questions of others, and search for evidence
in the text to support their ideas.
Guidelines - The length of the seminar should be a 50-80 minute period.
Students respond to a question generated by the teacher or student
facilitator. Students are required to
evaluate options and make decisions regarding the question.
Groups of 20-25 are ideal for seminars. Do not go larger than 30 students unless
absolutely necessary. Large groups do
not allow students adequate opportunity to speak.
Use inner and outer circles for larger classes. For inner and outer; post a list outside the
door of the seating assignment. Provide two empty seats labeled as “hot
seats”. These should be part of the
inner circle.
Anyone from the outer circle may speak while in the hot
seat. After speaking, the student vacates the hot seat, leaving it free for
other students. The hot seats need to be on opposite sides of the room to
enable equal accessibility.
Give outer circle students a directed-listening
assignment: Chart the time each person
speaks. Make a list of all new ideas that arise during the discussion. What was
the most significant issue that was raised? How many times was the text quoted?
Who deserved the higher grades? Why?
It’s a good idea to have students qualify for the
seminar: Give an objective quiz to
determine who has read the material. Students who have not read may be denied
participation in the seminar. Give these students an alternate assignment.
For longer works, such as novels, require questions to be
answered from directed reading assignments.
Require students to bring an idea list (with page numbers from the text)
to be used during the seminar. Review
longer works after the seminar before testing or assigning formal writing. Stress that the discussion of concepts does
not nullify the importance of knowing and retaining facts.
Do any necessary background teaching prior to the
seminar. During the seminar, if
misinformation is given, stop and ask for a correction of facts. For example, “It seems that the facts have
been compromised. Who would like to
clarify the facts?” Review seminar rules at any point that inappropriate
behavior occurs. Depending on the
subject matter, it may be interesting to do separate seminars with males and
females. Don’t hesitate to try
something new!
When To Use: Socratic
Seminar is useful for any subject area and any grade level.
Resources: