Structure and Focus of the Socratic Seminar
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
--Socrates
"The Socratic method of teaching is based on Socrates' theory that it is more important to enable students to
think for themselves than to merely fill their heads with "right" answers. Therefore, he regularly engaged his
pupils in dialogues by responding to their questions with questions, instead of answers. This process
encourages divergent thinking rather than convergent thinking" (Adams).
Typically, Socratic seminars offer students the opportunity to engage in a dialogue about a piece of text. The
focus may be on a poem, a quotation, a relatively short section of a larger text, or an aspect of a larger text. The
most important aspects of the Socratic seminar involve thoughtful and serious preparation for the experience,
collaboration between students to arrive at meaning in a text, and willingness to participate in an assigned role
for the duration of the activity.
The structure of the Socratic Seminar involves two groups of students fulfilling their tasks simultaneously. The
students form concentric circles. The inner circle begins a dialogue about the text, while the outer circle quietly
observes the conversation. The focus of the inner circle is to discuss the text with participation from all
members. The discussion begins with an initiating question posed by the instructor. The dialogue should
proceed with minimal input from the instructor (but the instructor may occasionally intervene to move the
discussion forward if need be).
After approximately ten minutes, the outer circle provides feedback on not simply what was said, but also on
how it was said. The goal of the outer circle to is provide honest feedback and constructive criticism with an
emphasis on continued improvement in student discussion. Once the inner circle has received feedback, the
outer group sets goals for their dialogue. The groups switch places and roles, continuing the discussion of the
text. Another feedback session occurs after the second discussion of the text.
What is the difference between dialogue and debate?
Dialogue
Dialogue is collaborative; multiple sides work toward
a shared understanding.
In dialogue, one listens ot understand, to make
meaning, and to find common ground.
Dialogue enlarges and possibly changes a participants
point of view.
Dialogue creates an open-minded attitude: an
openness to being wrong and an openness to change.
Dialogue call for temporarily suspending one’s
beliefs.
In dialogue, one search for strengths in all positions.
Dialogue respects all the other participants and seeks
not to alienate or offend.
Dialogue assumes that many people have pieces of
answers and the cooperation can lead to a greater
understanding.
Dialogue remains open-ended.
Debate
Debate is oppositional; two opposing sides try to
prove each other wrong.
In debate, one listens to find flaws, to spot differences
and to counter arguments.
Debate defends assumptions as truth.
Debate creates a close-minded attitude, a
determination to be right.
Debate call for investing wholeheartedly in one’s
beliefs.
In debate, one searches for weaknesses in the other
position.
Debate rebuts contrary positions and may belittle or
deprecate other participants.
Debate assumes a single right answer that somebody
already has.
Debate demands a conclusion.
Guidelines for Participants in a Socratic Seminar
1. 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.
2. It's OK to "pass" when asked to contribute.
3. Do not participate if you are not prepared. A seminar should not be a bull session.
4. Do not stay confused; ask for clarification.
5. Stick to the point currently under discussion; make notes about ideas you want to come back to.
6. Don't raise hands; take turns speaking.
7. Listen carefully.
8. Speak up so that all can hear you.
9. Talk to each other, not just to the leader or teacher.
10. Discuss ideas rather than each other's opinions.
11. You are responsible for the seminar, even if you don't know it or admit it.
Expectations of Participants in a Socratic Seminar
When I am evaluating your Socratic Seminar participation, I ask the following questions about
participants:
Did they… Speak loudly and clearly?
Cite reasons and evidence for their statements?
Use the text to find support?
Listen to others respectfully?
Stick with the subject?
Talk to each other, not just to the leader?
Paraphrase accurately?
Ask for help to clear up confusion?
Support each other?
Avoid hostile exchanges?
Question others in a civil manner?
Seem prepared?
PRE-SOCRATIC SEMINAR QUESTION-WRITING
Before you come to a Socratic Seminar class, please read the assigned text and write at least three
questions. Your questions should include no more than one from each of the categories (question
types) described below. Note that all of the examples that follow are based on Of Mice and Men.

 CLOSE-ENDED
QUESTION:
Write a question about the text that will help everyone in the class come to an agreement about
events or
characters in the text. This question usually has a "correct" answer.
Example: Where does the novel begin?
 OPEN-ENDED
QUESTION:
Write an insightful question about the text that will require proof, insights, and group discussion to
discover
or explore the answer to the question.
Example: Why does George continue to look after Lennie?
 WORLD
CONNECTION QUESTION:
Write a question connecting the text to the real world.
Example: Why is it so difficult for George and Lennie to get work?
 UNIVERSAL
THEME/ CORE QUESTION:
Write a question dealing with a theme(s) of the text that will encourage group discussion about the
universality of the text.
Example: How is the concept of “relationships” important to the novel?

 LITERARY
ANALYSIS QUESTION:
Write a question dealing with the author’s style. Your question may focus on how the author
manipulates
point of view, characterization, syntax, diction, or archetypal patterns.
Example: Why did the author choose to write the novel from the 3 rd person omniscient point of view?