Get Students Thinking and Talking with Socratic Seminars

Socratic Seminars are one of my favorite assessments at the end of my units. They get kids to think critically about the content that they have learned in class, and they help students practice the very important skill of dialogue.

What is a Socratic Seminar?

A Socratic Seminar is a formal discussion in which students ask and answer open-ended questions about a topic.  Questions should be thought-provoking and not have one correct answer.  Students take turns listening and speaking to demonstrate critical thinking skills and historical knowledge.

Why use Socratic Seminars?

Socratic Seminars are a great way to get students thinking and talking. Instead of just learning facts, they are using their knowledge to answer complex questions. Socratic Seminars challenge students to make connections between historical events and the world that they live in today. Students are also practicing listening and speaking skills. 

Tips for a Successful Socratic Seminar

1. Time to Brainstorm

   • Giving students time to think about the answers to the questions is crucial for success.  More experienced students might be able to answer questions without preparation, but allowing students time to use resources like their notes or textbooks can help give students the confidence to speak up.  You can also post the question on paper and do a gallery walk to get ideas flowing before students have the pressure of talking in front of a crowd.

     
     

2. Time to Practice

   • Another way to build confidence is to allow students to practice before the whole class discusses together.  Allowing kids to chat with a partner or practice in groups of 4 or 5 can help calm nerves.

3. Use a Talking Object

   • A talking object helps ensure that students don’t interrupt each other and that everyone in the inner circle gets the chance to speak.  I use a stuffed panda in my classroom, but you could use a small ball or another soft object.  Only the person holding the object can speak, and then they gently toss it to someone else who has their hand raised when they’re finished speaking.

4. Use an Inner and Outer Circle

   • My classes have about 24 kids, which is way too many to have speak all at once.  Having an inner and outer circle helps handle larger groups.  Students in the inner circle speak while kids in the outer circle listen and take notes.  Set a timer and then have the groups switch.

Want to try out Socratic Seminars in your classroom?

Check out my Socratic Seminar Resource for Middle School!

It includes student printables, a teacher's guide, and an editable Google Slides deck.