Middle School Syllabi - Socratic Seminar Circles

SOCRATIC SEMINAR CIRCLES

Philosophy:

The education of Socrates’ students was rooted in the reality that truth emerges not in monologue but dialogue. This makes sense if we look to the Trinity. Truth is not one person but a communion of three. Because of this, our dialogue in class helps open our minds and hearts to the truth as we walk together towards it. Such learning then becomes a conversation that participates in the divine conversation of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Description:

The Inner-Outer Circle consists of one class population split in half. Approximately 9-12 of you will sit in the “inner” circle. For a given amount of time (up to 30 minutes), the inner circle will discuss the assigned topic. Then, we will switch positions, the people on the outer circle will become the inner circle, and they will discuss the topic with newer, refreshed viewpoints and evidence. Each student is graded on individual performance, but with the idea that the individual contributes to the whole class discussion.

Objective:

Through consistent Inner-Outer Circle discussions, students are forced to direct their own learning. They decide which parts of the passage to discuss and what path the discussion will follow. Some of the goals of this assignment are the following:

• to teach one another about what you find in your thinking,

• to take risks rather than rely on teacher validation,

• to involve yourself completely in the thinking and listening process, and • to learn how to take notes effectively from listening.

Table Leaders:

Each circle has a student table leader. This person will delegate who speaks and will monitor and change topics that either become overdone or forced. Also, the person should know when to ask more of a participant with statements such as “How did you figure that out?” or “Tell us more about why you think in that way.” The table leader is interactive. Sometimes, the teacher will pass a note to the table leader to help him or her encourage quiet students to talk and bring up topics that the circle missed. Almost always, the table leader earns 100% for the job. This person is the one who delegates fairness.

The Outer Circle:

The outer circle members do not just sit back and enjoy the ride before them. They make a list of students’ names on their own paper and, using this sheet, grade their classmates as well. The outer circle members take notes as copiously as the teacher does. You will never suffer from accidentally repeating a comment from the inner circle if you are well prepared and take good notes while the discussion is taking place. You turn this sheet in at the end of the discussion period.

Tips:

• Prepare! This method of discussion demands that we be accountable to one another.

• If you do not prepare, the whole class suffers. Study with a friend if you like and plan quotes together. This way you can practice allying with one another.

• If you are, now is your time to work on that. You must find a way (And I am always happy to help.) to participate because you should view these days as opportunities to grow.

• Do not dominate the conversation. Balance your excellent comments with excellent listening and note taking. You harm others’ grades if you take up their time. You can assist in this way by being as succinct as possible. Blather gets belabored quickly.

• Finally, remember that learning is done in a communion with one another and ultimately with God. Engage your freedom and your reason in these discussions so that we can see not only that you’ve done the reading but also the thinking to build your ideas and arguments cogently.