#socratic-seminar

Facilitate a Socratic seminar for deep discussion. Structure: 1. Select complex text or question. 2. Students prepare with annotations and questions. 3. Arrange in inner circle (discussants) and outer circle (observers). 4. Teacher poses opening question. 5. Students lead discussion, building on each other's ideas. 6. Teacher facilitates minimally, asks probing questions. 7. Debrief and reflect on process. Ground rules: speak to each other, use evidence, listen actively. Assess participation and thinking. Rotate roles. Develop critical thinking and communication skills.

Facilitate a Socratic seminar for 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. Preparation: 1. Students read a specific section and prepare responses to open-ended questions (e.g., 'How does Harper Lee define courage?'). 2. Arrange classroom in a circle. Seminar Structure: 1. Set norms: listen actively, build on others' ideas, cite textual evidence. 2. Pose opening question. 3. Students lead discussion, teacher is a silent observer. 4. Inner/Outer Circle: half of students discuss for 15 mins while outer circle observes and takes notes on specific behaviors (e.g., use of evidence), then switch. 5. Closing: students reflect on the discussion and their understanding of the text. Assessment: based on participation quality, use of evidence, and listening skills, not quantity of talk.