Socratic Seminar
What to Reference – Having these items for the Socratic seminar will help you fully engage in the discussion.
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Irving biographical information (sheet will be on tables for the seminar)
Copy of “Rip Van Winkle”
Your personally prepared notes
o Everyone will turn these in these notes at the conclusion of the seminar!!
o You should prepare three topics of discussion over anything dealing with “Rip Van Winkle.” Try to
come up with interesting topics that your classmates might not have thought of. Also remember,
you should include quotes from the story, since that’s part of your grade.
o We will probably not have time to cover all of the topics everyone prepares, so make sure your
notes clearly articulate what you were planning to say about a topic, in case you do not get to
bring it up in the seminar.
o If full credit is not earned for the “commentary” and “textual reference” sections, your notes can
make up for all or part of those unearned points.
Goals – The goal of the discussion is to develop as a group a more complex understanding of an idea or than any
one of us had individually. In your response, you may:
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Draw connections between your peers’ comments and yours,
Ask a clarifying question,
Elaborate on an idea,
Illustrate with an example, and/or
Draw a connection between the discussion and a book or film that you know.
Commentary – Given the above goal, your comments should be:
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Thoughtful,
Civil,
Supportive, and
Long enough for someone to understand. No brief “I agree” statements. Say something. Use sentences.
Guidelines – Here are some ideas to improve your discussion:
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Volunteer to start talking. You have prepared topics for discussion. Share them!
Don’t raise hands. Speak up when you want to participate, making sure not to interrupt others.
Address one another respectfully. Remember, your tone of voice, body posture, gestures, and facial
expressions need to imply discourse and discussion rather than debate or competition.
Address comments to the group; DO NOT HAVE SIDE CONVERSATIONS.
Try to stay on topic, but you may want to go back to an old topic from time to time.
Some people are more comfortable asking questions than making statements. Feel free to pose
questions; this will likely elicit responses from your peers.
Do not be shy about speaking up, as everyone’s ideas will be heard and respected.
Be an active listener. Show that you are listening with eye contact, feedback and note taking. Those who
listen actively will cite their peers’ commentary in their own commentary.
Use sensitivity to take turns and not interrupt others.
Monitor your “air time.” If you like speaking up, do not monopolize the discussion. Let others speak. If you
are a bit shy, try to contribute regularly. Speak up.
Be courageous in presenting your own thoughts and reasoning, but be flexible and willing to change your
mind in the face of new and compelling evidence.
“Rip Van Winkle” Socratic Seminar Grading Criteria
Commentary – 5 points per comment, 2 comments required
5
Makes analytical comments, as well as clarifies; clearly explains ideas; ideas are relevant and seek a
universal or deeper understanding
3
Makes clarifying comments; explains ideas but perhaps in a disorganized manner; relevant ideas
1
May make clarifying comments; ideas seem vague or unclear; makes some tangential remarks or does not
explain ideas; often avoids responding; makes unrewarding tangential remarks or does not participate
Textual Reference - 3 points per textual reference, 1 textual reference required
3
Uses specific references to the work; shows much familiarity with work
2
Makes some general references to the work; somewhat familiar with work
1
Shows some evidence of having read but references are extremely general OR shows no evidence of having
read but can reference basic plot elements
Leadership – 3 points
3
Includes others by talking directly to them or by inviting them into conversation; shares the floor
2
Shares the floor
1
Tends to monopolize the conversation or does not include all participants
Initiative – 3 points
3
Voluntarily responds to others’ questions; builds on another’s point, and initiates new ideas
2
Responds to questions that are asked
1
Becomes involved sporadically
Listening - 3 points
3
Actively listens to others (eye contact, feedback, note taking) and frequently makes direct
reference to points made by other students
2
Pays attention to others most of the time
1
Rarely pays attention when others speak; regularly participates in side conversations
Preparedness - 3 points
3
Brings notes and story
2
Brings either notes or story
1
Brings neither notes nor story