What is the difference between socratic seminars and philosophical chairs

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Credit by Exam. GO Centers. Math Telescoping. Personalized Learning Opportunities. Skyward Information. Student Technology Resources. Textbook-Online Resources. Title IX. Transcript Request. Diversity Advisory Council. Extended Day Programs. Health and Physical Education. To begin, the teacher asks a polarizing question about the text. Students who feel one way stand on one side of the room facing students with an opposite response, who stand on the other side of the room.

Students then hold a discussion about why they picked each side. The moderator continues to ask questions for which students can take a side.

After each question, students choose a side of the classroom on which to stand and then discuss their stance. If students are experienced with classroom discussions, one variation is to have students moderate the discussion. Students can prepare Philosophical Chairs questions while reading the assigned text and then lead the discussion. This variation allows for greater student ownership of discussion outcomes and procedure. This works well for discussing polarizing texts in which students can take sides on various issues.

The format allows for kinesthetic learning in an exciting and enjoyable whole-class activity. This format also maximizes student participation because everyone must choose a side and physically move as each question is asked. Simultaneous Socratic Circles. Simultaneous Socratic seminars are engaging and powerful for students with previous experience conducting Socratic seminars who need minimal guidance. Students are divided into small groups.

Each group may discuss a different text preferable for differentiation or topical discussions , or the same text preferable for in-depth discussions that occur in smaller groups. Prior to the discussion, students read the assigned text or texts and answer thoughtful discussion questions. To hold the discussion, students are divided into small discussion groups and each group forms a circle in a different part of the classroom.

Students bring their completed discussion questions into their circle. Students lead the discussions by asking the provided discussion questions and then the open-ended questions they wrote in preparation for the discussion. As a whole class, the discussion serves to compare and contrast the ideas shared in the smaller seminars.

If multiple texts were used, a larger discussion may occur about how each text corresponds with one another. Simultaneous Socratic seminars are best for students who are experienced in leading discussions. It is an excellent format for in-depth discussions, allows students to hone leadership skills by moderating a discussion on their own, and requires students to prepare in a meaningful way by thoughtfully answering and preparing questions.

Simultaneous discussions give students confidence in their ability to construct meaning on their own. This is a great format for your first ever Socratic seminar. Having the teacher as the moderator helps establish respectful discussion patterns and gives students the ability to practice discussion flow and asking their own discussion questions in a controlled environment.

The whole-class seminar can be used for both lengthy in-depth discussions and shorter discussions. During a whole-class Socratic seminar, the teacher asks the first question and moderates the discussion.

Students are encouraged to ask questions surrounding the text, but the teacher keeps the discussion on task. Students may be evaluated by the teacher or other students. First students process the text to be discussed any thought-provoking text will work.

Students come to the discussion after completing discussion questions and writing open-ended questions to ask their classmates. The whole class Socratic seminar is most effective if students sit in a circle, facing one another. Your students will need time to research the issue. Keep Track of Time. Make a Judgment. How do you run a Socratic Seminar? Here are five steps that will help you have a successful Socratic Seminar. Step 1: Choose a Text. The purpose of Socratic seminars is to use evidence to support interpretations of a text.

Step 2: Let Students Prepare. Step 3: Give Students Questions. Step 5: Don't Jump In. How do you start a Socratic Seminar question? Ask a balance of referential and display questions. Use open-ended divergent questions to encourage opinions, elaboration, and discussion.

Ask questions about important rather than trivial content. Grade language in questions and try not to over-paraphrase. What are some good Socratic Seminar questions? Ask questions to which there are no right or wrong answers. Ask questions that require participants to explain their reasoning, their assumptions, and to examine possible misunderstandings. What is a fishbowl Socratic Seminar?

The outer circle can share their observations as. Does Will Hunting have 12 brothers? What are intangible products?