This past week, students and I tried out a Socratic Seminar for the first time to "test" their listening and discussion skills. On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to attend a workshop on holding Socratic Seminars in the classroom, and I was able to implement a seminar on Friday during class since we were in a good spot in our class novel to explore some different topics. Overall, the experience involved five elements - two "pair-share" sessions, where students shared their ideas with a partner; two "inner circle" sessions, where half the students in the class took part in a discussion while the other half listened; and a reflection about other participants, themselves, the leader, and the process. Our first seminar focused on a decision the characters in our novel are considering and on a symbol within the novel.
The results for our first seminar were mostly positive, considering this was our first attempt at a Socratic Seminar this year. The reflection students completed gave honest feedback about the process in general. Specific comments included:
What stood out for me is advice from the Socratic Seminar presenter for those who participate in a seminar: you are responsible for the quality of the seminar. Often, students rely too heavily on the teacher to tell them what to think. This process gives students the voice and the opportunity to build meaning. Though the process was uncomfortable at times, I can tell students were mostly open-minded about trying it, and I look forward to trying another seminar soon.
Have any of you participated in a Socratic Seminar?
The results for our first seminar were mostly positive, considering this was our first attempt at a Socratic Seminar this year. The reflection students completed gave honest feedback about the process in general. Specific comments included:
- I liked the process, but I will see that the problem will be with students stepping out of their box.
- I liked doing this because we could get every perspective.
- It was fast. A lot of people didn't talk.
- If you missed something in the book, the group mentioned it. It helped me remember.
- The process was kind of slow and awkward.
- We should try and include everyone.
- I realized that every thought or comment was something off of the last one to lead us.
- You can hear things you missed and about other people's points of view.
What stood out for me is advice from the Socratic Seminar presenter for those who participate in a seminar: you are responsible for the quality of the seminar. Often, students rely too heavily on the teacher to tell them what to think. This process gives students the voice and the opportunity to build meaning. Though the process was uncomfortable at times, I can tell students were mostly open-minded about trying it, and I look forward to trying another seminar soon.
Have any of you participated in a Socratic Seminar?