Socratic Seminar – Details and Assignments

“A Socratic discussion is a text-based discussion in which an individual sets their own interpretations of the text alongside those of other participants. The aim is mutual search for a clearer, wider and deeper understanding of the ideas, issues, and values in the text at hand. It is shared inquiry, NOT a debate; there is no opponent save the perplexity all persons face when they try to understand something that is both difficult and important.” Walter Parker, PhD, University of Washington

Our Socratic Seminar will be organized using an inner and an outer circle of participants. The role of the outer circle is to observe and take notes on the discussion going on within the inner circle WITHOUT speaking or making comments. Outer circle participants will be assigned an inner circle participant to evaluate in writing. Once the inner circle discussion is complete, the inner and outer circle will switch places, giving the outer circle participants a chance to conduct their own discussion while being evaluated.

GUIDELINES FOR PARTICIPANTS IN A SOCRATIC SEMINAR

  1. Refer to the text when needed during the discussion. A seminar is not a test of memory. You must have text evidence noted and prepared in front of you. You are not “learning a subject”; your goal is to understand the ideas, issues and values reflected in the text.
  2. It’s OK to “pass” when asked to contribute.
  3. Do not participate if you are not prepared. A seminar should not be a “bull” session.
  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. DON’T raise hands; take turns speaking. Use eye contact to determine who wants to speak next. Do not interrupt others.
  7. Invite those who have not spoken into the conversation.
  8. Listen carefully.
  9. Speak up so that all can hear you.
  10. Talk to each other, not just to the leader or teacher.
  11. Discuss ideas rather than each other’s opinions.
  12. You are responsible for the seminar, even if you don’t know it or admit it.
  13. Be courageous in presenting your own thoughts and reasoning, but be flexible and willing to change your mind in the face of new and compelling evidence.
  14. Avoid debate and hostile interactions with classmates.
  15. Refer to scoring rubric before and during the seminar to make sure you are actively participating and receive the grade you expect.
  16. Allow time for participants to find page numbers and paragraph references in the text.

Before participating in the Socratic Seminar for Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” and Joe Hill’s “You Will Hear the Locus Sing”, be sure to read the ENTIRE texts and complete the following questions and responses. You are ENCOURAGED to use post-its to take notes and mark text evidence for easy reference during the seminar discussion.

Create one question and respond to it in EACH of the following categories (4 total questions and responses). Two questions should deal with “The Metamorphosis” and two should deal with “You Will Hear the Locust Sing”. Questions and responses must be typed and printed out to be handed in on the day of the seminar. Questions = one major grade. Seminar participation = one major grade.

  1. World Connection Question: Write a question connecting the text to the real world. EXAMPLE: If you were given only 24 hours to pack your most precious belongings in a back pack and get ready to leave your home town, what might you pack? (After reading the first 30 pages of NIGHT).
  2. Open-Ended Question: Write an insightful question about the text that will require proof and group discussion to answer or explore the answer to the question. EXAMPLE: Why did Gene hesitate to reveal the truth about the accident to Finny that first day in the infirmary? (After mid-point of A SEPARATE PEACE).
  3. Universal Theme/Core Question: Write a question dealing with a theme(s) of the text that will encourage group discussion. EXAMPLE: After reading THE CRUCIBLE, point out the causes and effects of being falsely accused.
  4. Literary Analysis Question: Write a question dealing with HOW an author chose to compose a literary piece. Question(s) could deal with point of view, characterization, symbolism, motif, tone or figurative language. EXAMPLE: In THE GREAT GATSBY, how does Fitzgerald establish Nick as a reliable or unreliable narrator?

Open-Ended Question Starters: Write at least ONE question beginning with EACH of the following.

  1. What puzzles me is…
  2. I have questions about…
  3. Do you agree that…?
  4. Identify ONE quote from each chapter of “The Metamorphosis” and one quote from each part of “You will Hear the Locust Sing” (7 quotes total) that you find intriguing, confusing or worthy of discussion. Explain why you chose this quote and what it means to the story. Type each quote with its page reference. Mark your text with a post-it for easy identification.