What is a Socratic seminar?

A Socratic Seminar is a type of discussion
which anchors itself to a text or specific topic. The leader will ask open-ended questions to
fuel discussion and debate. Participants will listen intently to their peers and use critical
thinking skills to comment appropriately and add to the collective.

For
example, if the class is reading To Kill a Mockingbird, the teacher may put
some questions on the board such as, "What are the consequences of prejudice in today's
society?" and "Why is it important to stand up for what you believe in?" The
questions are open-ended but still connect to the text. Students will use their knowledge of the
text, their personal experiences, and real-world examples to explore numerous ways to answer the
questions.

In a classroom, a Socratic Seminar may start out as a teacher-led
endeavor, but over time and with practice, students should be able to hold a discussion on their
own with little prompting. But that means students need to be prepared.

To
prepare for a Socratic Seminar, it's important to know your topic. Make sure you've read the
book or any other materials relating to your topic. If allowed, bring notes or annotations to
the discussion so you can make informed comments that are factual and accurate.

While participating in a Socratic Seminar, you want to make sure you don't say too much
or say too little. Always give others a chance to speak, but don't be afraid to shift gears, ask
questions, or counter someone's point.