Socratic Seminar
The Mighty League, Vol. 1
The Terrible Taunting
This PowerPoint is the intellectual property
of Cyndie Sebourn and Sascyn Publishing,
Inc.
Socrates
• 469 BC – 399 BC
• Greek Philosopher
• Socratic Seminar – Socrates founded this way
of teaching that involves students learning
through questioning while the instructor
moderates the discussion as opposed to
leading it.
This PowerPoint is the intellectual property
of Cyndie Sebourn and Sascyn Publishing,
Inc.
Debate vs. Dialogue
• Debate is oppositional; two opposing sides
try to prove each other wrong.
• Dialogue is collaborative; multiple sides work
toward a shared understanding.
• The Socratic Seminar is dialogue; you work as
a class to better understand the topic.
This PowerPoint is the intellectual property
of Cyndie Sebourn and Sascyn Publishing,
Inc.
The Teacher’s Role in a
Socratic Seminar
• Prepare questions to prompt students
toward the discussion of your topic.
World Connection Questions
Open-Ended Questions
Closed-Ended Questions
• Monitor guidelines and keep students on
task.
This PowerPoint is the intellectual property
of Cyndie Sebourn and Sascyn Publishing,
Inc.
Students’ Socratic Seminar Guidelines
• Refer to or quote a text when needed but
realize that the seminar is not a test of
memory.
• It’s ok to not participate in one of the topics
if it is an area that you are not familiar with;
instead, listen and learn.
• Ask questions when you are confused.
• Make notes about ideas you want to come
back to and discuss later.
This PowerPoint is the intellectual property
of Cyndie Sebourn and Sascyn Publishing,
Inc.
• You do not raise your hands for permission to
speak; respectfully wait for the other person
to stop speaking before you begin.
• Listen attentively to what others have to say.
• Speak loudly and clearly so that they can
hear you when you speak.
• Speak to the students, not your teacher.
This PowerPoint is the intellectual property
of Cyndie Sebourn and Sascyn Publishing,
Inc.
• Focus on discussing your ideas, not arguing
your opinions.
This PowerPoint is the intellectual property
of Cyndie Sebourn and Sascyn Publishing,
Inc.