Name:
SOCRATIC SEMINAR
Date:
Block:
SEMINAR DATE __________________
Pre-Seminar Questions due ________________
1. WORLD CONNECTION QUESTION: Write 1 question connecting to the real world.
Example: If you were given only 24 hours to pack your most precious belongings in a back
pack and to get ready to leave your home town, what might you pack? (After reading the first 30
pages of Night).
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2. CLOSED-ENDED QUESTION:
Write 1 question, with answer and page #s, 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
(Important: Avoid “yes or no” or “true or false” type questions).
Example: Why don’t any neighbors pay attention to the Vargas kids? (The House on Mango Street).
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3. OPEN-ENDED QUESTION:
Write 1 insightful question and answer (with page #s) about the text that will require proof and
group discussion and "construction of logic" to discover or explore the answer to the question.
Example: Examine the flashback about the death of Morrie’s father and why Mitch includes
this in the book. (Tuesdays with Morrie).
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4. UNIVERSAL THEME/ CORE QUESTION: Write 1 question dealing with the theme of the text that
will encourage group discussion about the universality of the text.
Example: The Giver asks whether it's worth sacrificing freedom and individuality for peace,
contentment, and ease. Well…is it? (After reading The Giver)
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5. LITERARY ANALYSIS QUESTION: Write 1 question dealing with HOW an author chose to
compose a literary piece. How did the author manipulate point of view, narration, characterization,
description, or use archetypal patterns (“the hero,” “the martyr”, “the bully,” for example?)
Example: In “Mama Flora’s Family,” why is it especially effective that the story is told through
flashback?
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Guidelines for Participants in a Socratic Seminar
1. Refer to the text 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. If you are prepared with questions and know the text, you will enjoy the
seminar participation. If you are not prepared, it will be obviously painful.
3. Stick to the point currently under discussion; make notes about ideas
you want to come back to.
4. Take turns speaking; be courteous by waiting for a natural opening.
5. L i s t e n c a r e f u l l y.
6.
Talk to each other, not just to the question leader or teacher.
7.
Remember, at varying times, you are responsible as a leader and as a
supportive participant during the seminar.
Configuration
Two circles:
Inside Circle of ten chairs with one “hot seat” (an empty seat)
Outside Circle of x chairs
Students in the inside circle ask questions and hold a discussion.
Students in the outside circle listen and take notes.
The “hot seat” is an empty seat in the inside circle reserved for students from the
outside circle. Students listening in the outside circle are encouraged to enter the
“hot seat” to offer an idea, suggestion, clarification, or to challenge a point being
raised in the inside circle.
Socratic Seminar: Participant Rubric
Name:_______________________
Participant offers enough solid analysis, without prompting, to move the conversation forward
A Level
Participant
Participant, through his or her comments, demonstrates a deep knowledge of the text and the
question
Participant has come to the seminar prepared, with 5 questions and notes including page
numbers for answers in the text
Participant, through her comments, shows that she is actively listening to other participants
Participant offers clarification and/or follow-up that extends the conversation
Participant’s remarks often refer back to specific parts of the text.
Participant offers solid analysis without prompting
B Level
Participant
Through comments, participant demonstrates a good knowledge of the text and the question
Participant has come to the seminar prepared, with 3-4 questions and notes including page
numbers for answers in the text
Participant shows that he/she is actively listening to others and offers clarification and/or
follow-up
Participant offers some analysis, but needs prompting from the seminar leader
C Level
Participant
Through comments, participant demonstrates a general knowledge of the text and question
Participant is less prepared, with few notes and less than 3 questions
Participant is actively listening to others, but does not offer clarification and/or follow-up to
others’ comments
Participant relies more upon his or her opinion, and less on the text to drive her comments
Participant offers little or no commentary
D or F
Level
Participant
Participant comes to the seminar ill-prepared, with 2 or fewer questions, and/or demonstrates
little understanding of the text and questions
Participant does not listen to others, and/or offers no commentary to further the discussion
Participant distracts the group by interrupting other speakers or by offering off-topic questions
and comments.
Participant ignores the discussion and its participants
Name:_________________________
Date:_____________________
NOTES: Socratic Seminar
During the seminar, take active notes regarding the following ideas:
 Something you need clarified:
 An idea you find interesting:
 A point you wish to debate or challenge:
Name:_________________________
Date:_____________________
NOTES: Socratic Seminar
During the seminar, take active notes regarding the following ideas:
 Something you need clarified:
 An idea you find interesting:
 A point you wish to debate or challenge: