Why do we have Socratic OR Padeia Seminars?

1. Why do we have Socratic OR PadeiaSeminars? Socratic Seminars help us engage a text in class. The thought process is when we work together to understand a text it will help everyone’s understanding.

2. Socratic Seminar (Paideia) A Socratic seminar is a way of teaching founded by the Greek philosopher Socrates. Socrates believed that students learn best by asking questions. It is the teacher’s job to moderate the discussion instead of leading the discussion.

3. Learning Objectives - You will… • (RL8.1) Cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says and your inferences. • (W8.9) Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. • Analyze how a modern work of fiction uses themes, patterns of events, or types of characters. • Evaluate your classmates arguments and claims about the text and decide if the thoughts are sound and the evidence is relevant and enough.

4. During the seminar you will have to ask and answer open-endedquestions and engage in a dialoguenot a debate. You will be asked to take notes during the seminar and be respectful to your peers. Key Vocabulary Open ended- An open ended question is a question that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no, or with only one or two words, where the person answering the question has to answer it in his, or her own words. Many open ended questions begin with how, what, when, where, why etc, or ask for an opinion. Engage- to become entrapped or to show undivided attention to a particular topic Debate- A discussion involving opposing claims; an argument. Seminar-A small group of advanced students in a college or graduate school engaged in original research or intensive study under the guidance of a teacher/professor. Dialogue- Conversation between two or more people

5. What are the teacher’s expectations for me during the seminar? How many times does the student speak? Are the questions or comments open ended? Is the student respectful during the seminar? (not talking during the seminar unless they are providing feedback/ are they engaged taking notes/are they addressing their peers by name and with respect) Is the student using textual evidence to support their comments? To be respectful and participate in the discussion by responding OR writing down my thoughts. Each student speaks 3 times. For full points, they must be meaningful AND have examples from the book. Earning full points for questions meant they cannot be answered with a plain, old, boring yes or no. This earns you 5 points! Have to do it for an A. You will only earn ½ credit for each question if you don’t use examples.

6. What do I say during the seminar? Starting phrases to use in reference to another’s comment or participant: “I want to build on . . .” “I want to connect my thoughts to . . .” “I agree with . . .” “I disagree with . . .” “I have a question about . . .” “I’ve changed my mind about ___ based on what ___ said or what was stated in the text. “Based on the time that this was written . . .” “Based on the audience for whom this was written .” “I think the speaker was trying to say. . .”

7. On the day of the Seminar, you will need to:

8. Prepare- Question Sheet/Textual Evidence Day of seminar- Sit in a circle -Review Guidelines/ Goal Setting -Present questions (DURING THE SEMINAR) -Respond to comments respectfully (INSIDE) -Take notes (OUTSIDE) -Write reflection (HOMEWORK)

9. Paideia Seminar Rules: • Reading the selected text is essential in participation. • Coming prepared and ready to participate • Listen by looking at the speaker, taking notes, and nottalking while another is talking. • Speakloud enough for everyone to hear, asking questions as well as making statements, while looking at others. • Think deeply about the ideas and values expressed in the dialogue, examining the various perspectives with an open mind. • Refer to the text by citing specificpage and linenumbers and quoting actual passages to support a point of view. • Address others respectfully by using others’ names agreeing/disagreeing constructively, and making connections to others’ comments.

10. Making 3 Open-Ended Questions Your questions cannot be answered by a yes or a no.

11. Open-Ended Questions Starters • How… • Why … • What … • Explain … • Who … • When … Be careful with these question starters. • Would … • Should … • Could … • Do you think …

12. Flowers for Algernon Topics • Responsibility of doctors and scientists (liability) • Finding, Keeping and Losing a Job • Equality and fairness • Consequences • Bullying / Making fun of or teasing people • People with different abilities or intelligence • Science experiments on people and animals • Risks vs. benefits of trying new medications/procedures

13. Reflection • What was the most interesting detail discussed during the seminar? • Did you enjoy the seminar? Why or why not? • What are some pros of doing a seminar? • What are some changes you would make to the seminar next time? • What are some questions/comments you were unable to make during the seminar? • Did anything said today change a perspective you had on a particular topic? • Do you agree with Socrates’ belief that: students learn best by asking questions. • It is the teacher’s job to moderate the discussion instead of leading the discussion?