Socratic seminars involve students discussing questions in an inner and outer circle. The inner circle discusses questions while the outer circle listens and analyzes the discussion. Then the circles switch. The goal is to encourage independent thinking through questioning rather than direct answers. Students are expected to cite evidence, listen respectfully, avoid hostile exchanges, and question others civilly. Participation in Socratic seminars is graded based on these expectations.

1. Guidelines for Socratic Seminars
BE SURE TO KEEP THIS HANDOUT IN YOUR BINDER AT ALL TIMES. We
will continue to do this activity throughout the year and these instructions are
essential.
**The Socratic method of teaching is based on Socrates' theory that it is more
important to enable students to think for themselves than to merely fill their heads
with "right" answers. Therefore, he regularly engaged his pupils in dialogues by
responding to their questions with questions, instead of answers. This process
encourages independent thinking and close analysis. This is the goal of our
Socratic seminars.
Basic Setup of the Socratic Seminar
• Half of the class will be in the inner circle and half the class will be in the
outer circle.
• The inner circle will be given a specific amount of time to answer the first
half of the questions on the handout. I will keep you informed about how
much time you have left, but it is your responsibility to respectfully and
equally discuss the questions with every member of your group. You
need to make sure that you have enough time to get through all the
questions and to provide the best answers possible. Every person in the
group should speak.
• The outer circle will sit quietly and listen carefully to your conversation.
• ALL STUDENTS SHOULD BE TAKING NOTES ON THE ANSWERS
AND DISCUSSION RELATED TO THE QUESTIONS, ON THEIR
HANDOUTS, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THEY ARE IN THE INNER
OR OUTER CIRCLE.
• Each member of the outer circle will be given an index card with a specific
question that requires them to listen to the inner circle’s discussion and
analyze it in order to give an answer.
• The outer circle will share their answers to the question on the index card
with the entire class after the inner circle completes their discussion.
• Then the outer circle and inner circle will switch places and roles. The
new inner circle will cover the second half of the discussion questions on
the handout.
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 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.

2. 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.
7. Listen carefully to each other and be incredibly respectful.
8. Speak up so that all can hear you… including the people in the outer circle.
9. Talk to each other, not just to the leader or teacher.
10. Discuss ideas rather than each other's opinions.
11. You are responsible for the seminar, even if you don't know it or admit it.
Expectations of Participants in a Socratic Seminar
When I evaluate your Socratic Seminar participation, I will ask myself the
following questions. Did they….
Speak loudly and clearly?
Cite reasons and evidence for their statements?
Use the text to find support?
Listen to others respectfully?
Stick with the subject?
Talk to each other, not just to the leader?
Paraphrase accurately?
Ask for help to clear up confusion?
Support each other?
Avoid hostile exchanges?
Question others in a civil manner?
Seem prepared?
**You will receive a grade for your participation in Socratic Seminars. Each
group will receive a group grade with a score out of 50 points. Although this is a
group grade, your participation in these activities will always heavily affect your
participation grade for the term. In addition, if your performance is very much
above average, or very much below average, your grade will be adjusted
accordingly on the 50 point scale.