This document provides instructions for students to prepare for and participate in a Socratic seminar on the Renaissance. It outlines that students will: 1) Research important historical questions about the Renaissance individually and in pairs to help engage in the discussion. 2) Learn about what a Socratic seminar is and the expectations for participation. 3) On the first day, research questions in pairs and complete a worksheet to prepare. 4) On the second day, participate in a 10-minute Socratic seminar discussion seated in a circle while following discussion rules. 5) After the discussion, complete a reflection worksheet individually to assess the experience.

1. Socratic Seminar
The Renaissance

2. We have been learning about the Renaissance.
We have learned that it is a rebirth of
classical ideas, and brought people out of the
dark ages. There were many advancements in
art, technology, and the sciences. These
technology advanced our world toward the
development of the modern ages. Today you are
going to be revisiting these ideas though
research, and tomorrow we will conduct a
SOCRATIC SEMINAR.
Prior Knowledge

3. Today and Tomorrow’s Objective
First students will be researching
important historical questions about the
Renaissance which will then help them
engage in a socratic Seminar

4. What is a Socratic Seminar?

5. Pass out Instructions
We are going to read through all these handouts
that go over:
1. What Socratic Seminar is & what is
expected during it
2. Research Questions
3. How you will be graded
4. How we will reflected upon your discussion

6. Today:1. Get Computer
2. You will be given a list of questions to research.
a. You will want to make sure that you have done thorough
research, because these are the points you will use to
participate in tomorrow’s Socratic seminar.
b. Use at least 3 vocab terms in your research
c. Please refer to Rubric and How I will be grading you
3. Work in groups of 2
a. Although working in pairs, EACH student must complete a
worksheet on there own.
i. There worksheet must have their own thoughts
b. Working in pairs, is to collaborate, and share ideas.
4. This worksheet must be finished at the end of the period.

7. Day two: Socratic Seminar
1. Put desks into a circle
2. This discussion will last 10 minutes
before the bell rings.
3. Remember this is what you will be
graded on
4. Then we will complete class doing a
reflection

8. Rules:
1. Use phrases such as:
a. I agree with ……
b. Thank you for sharing your idea, but I disagree
because…..
c. (Name) Wow, that is an amazing point,
continuing off that….
2. DO NOT interrupt your classmates.
3. Please limited each talking card to 1-3 minutes

9. Reflection- Closure
1. Take the last 10 minutes of class to fill out this
reflection worksheet.
2. Please be thoughtful with your answer, for they
are to help me in our future seminar discussion.
3. It is also for you to reflect, and think what you did
good, and what you can do better on next time.
4. Staple your TALKING TICKETS ( THAT YOU USED)
TO YOUR REFLECTION TO RECEIVE FULL CREDIT