How to Prepare for a Socratic Seminar
Read., Research the topic on the Internet., Research library texts., Make an outline of all of the information you have collected., Review all vocabulary from the applicable chapters., Know the topic., A Socratic Seminar is supposed to be a learning...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Research the topic on the Internet.
Socratic Seminars are usually held in social studies classes, so reading is a huge help once it's actually discussion time.
If your teacher gives you the topic beforehand, read all applicable chapters in your book, using sticky notes or another form of page marker to keep track of interesting, useful, or information filled sections.
If your teacher doesn't give you the topic, you are probably going to be discussing a recent chapter.
Read that chapter and any other chapter you think might be helpful. -
Step 2: Research library texts.
Use a search engine (such as Google or Yahoo) to find web pages with information on your topic.
Bookmark or copy and paste pages with useful info. , Ask the librarian for help finding books or articles that might help you prepare.
Borrow books that you know you'll be able to use again.
Some libraries only allow you to borrow a certain number of books.
If this is the case and you need more than is allowed, use a copy machine to get copies of the pages you need.
This is also a solution for reference books, such as encyclopedias, that libraries generally don't loan out. , This will help organize your thoughts, and, during the discussion, will allow you to quickly find the information you need.
Include next to each new bit of information the place where the information was found and the page number.
Some teachers will grade you based not only on what information you have, but whether you have evidence to back it up.
Quoting well-known encyclopedias and textbooks is sure to give you those points. , Teachers like to see you use the vocabulary you've learned.
Don't go overboard during the discussion by using a vocabulary word in every sentence.
Just know the words so when the opportunity arises you use them naturally. , Review all of your notes and read the chapters.
The better you know the subject, the more you will be able to contribute to the discussion and the better your grade will be. , It's not uncommon for a large debate to ensue over a topic.
In the end, though, everyone comes out of it knowing more than when they went in.
Socratic Seminars can open your mind to new ideas and bigger concepts.
Try to enjoy it and keep an open mind. -
Step 3: Make an outline of all of the information you have collected.
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Step 4: Review all vocabulary from the applicable chapters.
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Step 5: Know the topic.
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Step 6: A Socratic Seminar is supposed to be a learning experience as well as a way to show your teacher you know what you're learning.
Detailed Guide
Socratic Seminars are usually held in social studies classes, so reading is a huge help once it's actually discussion time.
If your teacher gives you the topic beforehand, read all applicable chapters in your book, using sticky notes or another form of page marker to keep track of interesting, useful, or information filled sections.
If your teacher doesn't give you the topic, you are probably going to be discussing a recent chapter.
Read that chapter and any other chapter you think might be helpful.
Use a search engine (such as Google or Yahoo) to find web pages with information on your topic.
Bookmark or copy and paste pages with useful info. , Ask the librarian for help finding books or articles that might help you prepare.
Borrow books that you know you'll be able to use again.
Some libraries only allow you to borrow a certain number of books.
If this is the case and you need more than is allowed, use a copy machine to get copies of the pages you need.
This is also a solution for reference books, such as encyclopedias, that libraries generally don't loan out. , This will help organize your thoughts, and, during the discussion, will allow you to quickly find the information you need.
Include next to each new bit of information the place where the information was found and the page number.
Some teachers will grade you based not only on what information you have, but whether you have evidence to back it up.
Quoting well-known encyclopedias and textbooks is sure to give you those points. , Teachers like to see you use the vocabulary you've learned.
Don't go overboard during the discussion by using a vocabulary word in every sentence.
Just know the words so when the opportunity arises you use them naturally. , Review all of your notes and read the chapters.
The better you know the subject, the more you will be able to contribute to the discussion and the better your grade will be. , It's not uncommon for a large debate to ensue over a topic.
In the end, though, everyone comes out of it knowing more than when they went in.
Socratic Seminars can open your mind to new ideas and bigger concepts.
Try to enjoy it and keep an open mind.
About the Author
Andrea Williams
Committed to making lifestyle accessible and understandable for everyone.
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