Socratic Seminar (8-1)
For fourth nine week reading days (days 4 and 5), we will practice Socratic Seminar when
discussing Fahrenheit 451.
Socratic Seminar is a method of teaching developed by Socrates. Socrates instructed and
engaged his students by answering questions with questions, creating a process for
students to think for themselves instead of being told what to think.
Our discussions will revolve around the Socratic Seminar approach and will focus on
discussion leaders who will lead the class through an exploration of the text by asking openended questions (questions that don’t have a right or wrong answer).
Rules of Socratic Seminar:
1.) Discussion leaders will be responsible for leading discussions with the use of openended questions.
2.) Participants will respond to questions asked by discussion leaders and other
participants.
3.) Participants must sit in a circle.
4.) Participants must be respectful.
5.) Participants must participate for a fruitful discussion to take place.
Role of Discussion Leaders:
1.) Each member will lead a segment of the discussion:
Segment#1: Character analysis (using a specific passage from the text).
Segment #2: Symbolism/Setting/Plot Analysis (using a specific passage from
the text)
Segment #3: Authorial Intention/Cultural Significances/Theme (using a
specific passage from the text).
Segment #4: Other (You could reserve a segment above for more depth of
discussion).
*Your group will determine who gets assigned these segments. You cannot repeat a
question from the study guide; however, you can use it as a reference.
*You have a total of 30 minutes to lead the discussion. Therefore, allocate time
responsibly to each segment leader.
*Prepare about 12-15 interpretive/open-ended questions total (about 4 per
segment).
2.) The discussion leader should use the process of uptake (repeating someone’s
answers after response) before asking a follow-up question. Listen carefully to
participants’ responses, and try to formulate a strong, open-ended follow-up
question to continue the discussion.
3.) If you need to use handouts or illustrations of any kind, you can. Please make sure
you print off enough copies for everyone involved.
4.) Be kind, courteous, and respectful to all participants and your fellow discussion
leaders.
Role of Socratic Seminar Participants:
1.) You should contribute meaningfully (and frequently) to the discussion by using specific
references to the text that build on another's point or idea.
2.) You should initiate new ideas.
3.) You should pay attention when others speak and make direct references to points made
by other students.
4.) You should be respectful of others’ opinions and thoughts, even if you don’t agree with
them.
Dates (Meetings in the rotation):
Meeting #1: Friday, 4/12 – Introduction to the novel/discussion of Socratic Seminar
Meeting #2: Friday, 4/19 – Discussion on pgs. 1-34 of FH451
Discussion Leaders: Connor Leavey, Tommy Bednarz, Chris D’Amico, Mor Shimshi
Meeting #3: Monday, 4/22 – Discussion on pgs. 35-68 of FH451
Discussion Leaders: Hanna Stolzer, Caroline Nolf, Pramod N.
Meeting #4: Monday, 4/29 – Discussion on pgs. 71-92 of FH451
Discussion Leaders: Mike Torkos, Jacobo J., Patrick Glover, Valerie Thurston
Meeting #5: Tuesday, 4/30 – Discussion on pgs. 93-112 of FH451
Discussion Leaders: Melanie McGinniss, Amatheon Bohan, Rebecca Kassel, Sarah Rubino
Meeting #6: Tuesday, 5/7 – Discussion on pgs. 114- 139 of FH451
Discussion Leaders: Sophia Amidi, Nick Ondrejko, Basic Jake, Chloe Manalo
Meeting #7: Wednesday, 5/8 – Discussion on pgs. 140-165 of FH451
Discussion Leaders: Tina Marie Stine, Emily Caruso, Jessica Luberto
*See me period 7 on the day before your discussion so I can review your questions.
*Expect dates to change because of weather and other unforeseen events.
*If you miss the day you are scheduled to lead a discussion, you will write a multi-paragraph essay
on an assigned question instead for a grade.