Socratic Seminar Worksheet

During my reflection after a Socratic seminar, I should NOT...

• summarize the key points made

• paraphrase comments classmates made that persuaded me to consider their perspective

• take note of what I specifically contributed to the discussion

• avoid changing my thoughts about a topic based on what my classmates said.

What is NOT important in a Socratic seminar?

• Using evidence

• Connecting ideas, texts, society

• THINKING DEEPLY!

• defending your ideas

During Socratic seminar, you should NOT...

• consider other participant's evidence

• Honor other students’ answers by listening to them

• ignore others’ contributions

• Use reasoning to determine whether your claim has changed by listening to their perspective and evidence

During Socratic seminar, I should NOT...

• interrupt

• Listen actively

• Use evidence

• Make eye contact

During Socratic seminar, I should...

• rely on personal opinions

• ignore others’ contributions

• respect different opinions

• speak softly or too loudly

Socratic seminar is NOT...

• having one and only one right answer

• about respecting all participants

• about temporarily suspending beliefs

• left open/unresolved for future discussion

Socratic seminar is...

• close-minded

• reevaluating assumptions and ideas

Socratic seminar is...

• oppositional

• about proving others wrong

• about defending beliefs

• being persuaded and persuading

Whether I am INSIDE OR OUTSIDE the fishbowl, I should...

• Stay quiet.

• Actively listen to the ideas and evidence of the participants.

• Raise my hand when I am ready to speak.

Choose the answer that lists what you do AFTER a Socratic seminar...

• Ask open-ended questions and ask for clarification when confused.

• Be prepared to participate; the quality of the seminar diminishes when participants speak without preparation.

• Make connections between the ideas in the text and what you know in your life and the lives of the others.

• Be prepared to help set goals for improvement in the next seminar