Guidelines for Participants in a Socratic Seminar
socratic-seminar-guidelines1. Don’t raise your hands. Take turns talking. Talk to each other, not just to the leader or teacher. Address others by their first names: “Bryan, I agreed with what you said about Thoreau’s selfishness, but I think you’re overlooking. . .”
2. Practice using these conversational forms:
- I agree with__________ because, but I want to add another reason why I think_________is true.
- I disagree with__________ because_______.
- I’m not sure why___________said__________. Can you reword your comments to help me understand?
- I understand your point,__________, but I want to add/disagree/give another side:__________.
- This is what I think you are saying: __________ Is that correct?
2. Listen carefully. Don’t let the dialogue descend into a series of disconnected little speeches, with everyone wanting to talk, no one wanting to hear. Build upon other people’s comments. Invite others into the discussion.
3. Stick to the point currently under discussion; make notes about ideas you want to come back to.
4. Discuss ideas rather than each other’s opinions.
5. Speak up, so everyone can hear you.
6. 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.
7. Don’t participate if you are not prepared. A seminar should not be a bull session.
8. Do not stay confused; ask for clarification.
9. You are responsible for the seminar, even if you don’t know it or admit it.
Evaluation Criteria for Seminar Participation
Points will be awarded on the following basis:
1. Comes prepared, with texts and notes.
2. Addresses the question using evidence from the text. Cites examples, passages, characters from the text to support answers. Comments show that the student has read the text, understood it, and is making connections between the text and ideas generated by the seminar.
3. Addresses other students by name and responds to what they have said. Asks others to expand on their position or to clarify things they have said.
4. Makes relevant comments during the seminar which show response to the previous speaker’s ideas. Helps to enlarge understanding of the text and ideas generated in the seminar.
5. Takes the initiative in participating, does not have to be prompted.
6. May ask questions to clarify and deepen the discussion of ideas.
7. Shows attentiveness through body language: sitting up straight, looking at the speaker, giving the speaker the floor.
8. Does not belittle or criticize others’ comments.
Points will be deducted for the following:
1. Body language suggests indifference or hositility or drowsiness.
2. Hijacks the conversation away from the question.
3. Interrupts others or talks over others.
4. Makes off-topic comments.
5. Starts a side conversation--talking to one other person rather than to the group.
6. Does not participate.
7. Does not cite the text or previous readings or what others have said. Gives opinions that cannot be supported by anything in the text.
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