introduction to socratic seminars

Challenging Students to Think for Themselves

Introduction to Socratic Seminars

“Wisdom begins in wonder.”

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“Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time.”

“The secret of managing a team is to keep the four guys who hate you away from the five guys who are still undecided.”

Socratic Seminars Help to Develop:

Reading skills Writing skills Listening skills Speaking skills Test-Taking skills Critical Thinking Initiative Classroom Community Originality Self-Respect Self-Confidence

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Socratic Seminars

Transmission of Facts

Socratic Seminars

To enlarge understanding of issues, ideas, and values.

Dialogue: An exchange of ideas or opinions.

Debate: To engage in argument by discussing opposing points.

Questioner: What does he mean by rational?Responder: I think he means logical.Questioner: How is logical different from rational?Responder: One way is by using steps.Questioner: Explain how using steps is rational.Responder: It is reasonable to use steps.Questioner: Can you give examples when to be reasonable uses steps?

“Man is a rational animal who always loses his temper when called upon to act in accordance with the

dictates of reason.”

Prep Work Semin

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The Process of Socratic Seminars

Prep Work

1.Read the text carefully, like you would when reading a love letter.

2.Highlight the phrase or sentence in the text which:• is your

favorite• is most

ambiguous

Salvador Late or Early – Opening Question

Which pair of words best captures the essence of the text?

Love : Fear Respect : Pity Courage : Despair

Salvador Late or Early - Reflection

What did you observe about:

the other participants?

the process? yourself? the leader?

Sandra Cisneros

Caramelo (2002) Loose Woman:

Poems (1994) Woman Hollering

Creek and Other Stories (1991)

My Wicked Wicked Ways (1987)

The House on Mango Street (1983)

How are revenge and maturity related?

Adulthood; full development.

Maturity

About Revenge - Reflection

What did you observe about:

the other participants?

the process? yourself? the leader?