Introduction+to+Socratic+Discussions

Back to Home>Back to What is Knowledge>Back to Guide to Being a Successful TOK Student Introduction to Socratic Seminar The Socratic method of teaching is based on Socrates' theory that it is more important to enable students to think for themselves than to merely fill their heads with "right" answers. Therefore, he regularly engaged his pupils in dialogues by responding to their questions with questions, instead of answers. This process encourages divergent thinking rather than convergent. The purpose of a Socratic seminar discussion is to build understanding within the group around an idea, piece of text, or a principal. Students are encouraged to engage each other in inquiry rather that wait for your teacher to enlighten you. The seminar structure will be the primary format for discussions in TOK. This is not a competition for who is the wittiest but a work of collaboration. It requires that participants work to the benefit of each other to ensure we all gain understanding.
 * Introduction:**


 * __Expectations for Seminar Participants__**

**__Suggestions for Success__**
 * 1) Come to class ready to actively engage in the conversation. This means that you have done the reading, assignment, activity, etc... and you are prepared with questions to raise to the group.
 * 2) Only one person speaks at a time
 * 3) Refer to the text, graphs, tables, or ideas directly and allow your classmates time to find what you are referencing.
 * 4) Listen to each other and incorporate the previous speakers in your comment.
 * 5) Allow everyone to engage in the discussion, do not begin a back and forth debate


 * **//When Agreeing//** || **//When Disagreeing//** || **//When Questioning//** ||
 * “I agree with ’s comment/idea/argument because… || I disagree with _’s comment/idea/argument because… || _, what did you mean when you said…? ||
 * As ___ said….__ || __’s previous comment is false/ridiculous/inaccurate__ || On what evidence do you support your belief on? ||
 * To build/piggyback on _’s statement… || I would like to go back and challenge the statement/argument of . || How feasible is your plan? ||


 * 1) Plan out your comment in your head before you say it
 * 2) Take note of ideas and /or questions you get when you are listening to another comment to ensure you can incorporate them in your comment
 * 3) Define ambiguous terms
 * 4) Support your arguments with evidence
 * 5) Ask clarifying questions of your peers
 * 6) Avoid back and forth debate of rhetoric and try to keep it substantive
 * 7) Arguments should be supported with logical reasoning and be based in reality

 > //Debate is oppositional: two opposing sides try to prove each other wrong.// > //In debate, one listens to find flaws, to spot differences, and to counter arguments.// > //Debate defends assumptions as truth.// > //Debate creates a close-minded attitude, a determination to be right.// > //In debate, one submits one's best thinking and defends it against challenge to show that it is right.// > //Debate calls for investing wholeheartedly in one's beliefs//. > //In debate, one searches for weaknesses in the other position//. > //Debate rebuts contrary positions and may belittle or deprecate other participants.// > //Debate assumes a single right answer that somebody already has//. > //Debate demands a conclusion.// We are a learning community and, if we are going to be a successful one, we must work together to create positive learning environment where we all feel safe to express our opinions, aspirations, beliefs, and hopes. If you are unable to follow these expectations you will not be able to participate in our community.
 * What is the difference between dialogue and debate?**
 * Dialogue is collaborative: multiple sides work toward shared understanding.
 * In dialogue, one listens to understand, to make meaning, and to find common ground.
 * Dialogue enlarges and possibly changes a participant's point of view.
 * Dialogue creates an open-minded attitude: an openness to being wrong and an openness to change.
 * In dialogue, one submits one's best thinking, expecting that other people's reflections will help improve it rather than threaten it.
 * Dialogue calls for temporarily suspending one's beliefs.
 * In dialogue, one searches for strengths in all positions.
 * Dialogue respects all the other participants and seeks not to alienate or offend.
 * Dialogue assumes that many people have pieces of answers and that cooperation can lead to a greater understanding.
 * Dialogue remains open-ended.