The Socratic Seminar process was introduced to teachers last year by the instructional coaches. As stated on the ICs blog, Common Core State Standards require students to think and read critically, listen attentively, and speak clearly. In Socratic Seminar, students are given meaty text that encourages close reading. As students read, they are asked to consider a question as it relates to the text. The discussion ranges from 20-40 minutes and fosters active learning as participants explore and evaluate the ideas, issues and values in a particular text. Socratic Seminar gives students a purpose for practicing the close reading of text.
Ms. Hasse reports that Socratic Seminar integrates reading, speaking, and listening. It helps students to think deeply about their text as well as how to support their answers. It encourages students to listen carefully to help determine which arguments are strongest and help carry on a discussion. Students must continually return to the text to keep the discussion going.
Thank you to Ms. Hasse for submitting this learning idea to share with our District 7 learning community.