Socratic+Seminar

Kaitlyn Dalton ELED 311 __ Socratic Seminar __ Description: A Socratic Seminar is a class discussion which is run by students. Socratic Seminars were created based on the ideas of Socrates, that learning is more effective when students think for themselves. Students are asked to sit in a circle and will contribute to a class discussion about a topic which they have read. Students will be asked to speak one person at a time and will not raise their hands, but will wait for other students to finish speaking before they add their input. Strengths:  · Students will think in a divergent manner rather than a convergent one.  · Students will be creating their own questions and statements, rather than the teacher lecturing on the topic.  · It is a good form of assessment to see which students read and are familiar with the topic.  · It allows students to practice taking turns and being respectful to one another. Weaknesses:  · Students could digress as they are talking about the topic and start talking about something different.  · It may be hard for students to understand the concepts of taking turns and listening to each other; and, also, that only one student may be speaking at one time.  · Students may not have understood the text; and, therefore, it would be hard for them to elaborate and create an ongoing discussion on the topic. Example of a Socratic Seminar:  1.) Ask the students to form their desks into a circle  2.) Explain the rules of a Socratic Seminar -Only one person may speak at a time -No raising of hands -Students must use facts from the text to support their ideas -This will be a student lead discussion 3.) Ask the students the question: “What were some of the reasons for the South’s secession from the United States?” (p.215-218)   4.) I will monitor the students' discussion and will encourage them to stay on topic.