KNOWERS+AND+KNOWING+UNIT+ASSESSMENT+TASK

Back to HOME > WHAT IS KNOWLEDGE? __Socratic Seminar Discussion #1 : What is knowledge?__ For our first major assessment of the term, we are going to have a structured class discussion on the nature of knowledge and how we differentiate between “reliable” knowledge claims and “unreliable” ones. We have introduced the expectations of a Socratic discussion in previous classes, so we are going to get our first opportunity to try it out around the following questions:
 * Instructions: **


 * //Questions for Part 1://**
 * //Is knowledge more valid the more people who believe it?//**


 * //Do knowledge claims that start with "We know..." have more value/more reliable that those that start with "I know..."?//**


 * //Questions for Part 2://**
 * //To what extent do we need evidence to support our beliefs?//**


 * //What constitutes "good" evidence and is it equally "good" for all types of knowledge claims? (consider different Areas of Knowledge) //**

You will each be expected to prepare notes for this discussion that will allow you to construct valid arguments what are supported by good evidence. We will hold this discussion in class and you will be given one lesson to prepare in class.

The format of our discussion will be the two-ring format. Essentially this will mean that we will divide the class into two sections, one group on the inside of the circle, the other on the outside.

1. Actively engage in a Socratic Discussion, following the expectations previously discussed. 2. Support arguments with evidence 3. Encourage participation from all those in the circle
 * Inside Circle Expectations:**

1. Listen carefully to what it said and take notes 2. Develop further discussion questions to be injected into the inner circle if the discussion begins to falter 3. Evaluate the performance on one member of the inner circle (to be assigned)
 * Outside Circle Expectations:**

You will each be evaluated around the below criteria by both your teachers and your peer evaluator: A. Creation of Sound and Relevant arguments B. Development of ideas through Collaborative Discussion C. Adherence to Rules of Socratic Discussion (Participation) D. Engagement of others (Use of Questions and Selecting of Others to Participate) On the day of the discussion, you will each be given a peer assessment rubric and a “secret” student to evaluate. Your final mark will be determined by your performance in both circles of the discussion.
 * __Evaluation of the Socratic Discussion__**