INNER CIRCLE / OUTER CIRCLE
SOCRATIC SEMINARS, FISHBOWL DISCUSSIONS, ETC.
GUIDE
• This is a student-led discussion designed to encourage your open
discussion of the text
• It’ll help you practice higher-level questioning and analysis
• Inner circle: discuss with each other using examples from the text
• Outer circle: listen, take notes, ask at least one question
• Teacher: monitor the discussion – you aren’t talking to me
RUBRIC
• Inner Circle (max. 100 points)
• Responded ____ times for the two (2) required (80 points)
• Demonstrated courtesy and respect (20)
• Outer Circle (max. 100 points)
• Completed set of questions and discussion notes (40 points)
• Asked at least one (1) question to inner circle (40 points)
• Demonstrated courtesy and respect (20)
TIPS FOR YOUR SUCCESS
• The discussion is something you all do together
• Help each other out!
• Inner circle: ask clarifying/follow up questions, ask people to
support claims with proof from the reading, make sure everyone
gets a chance to talk
• Outer circle: listen attentively, ask substantive questions that give
the inner circle things to talk about, use leading questions