The document discusses the Socratic method of teaching. It states that Socrates believed it was more important for students to think for themselves rather than be given right answers. He would engage students in dialogues by responding to their questions with more questions instead of answers, encouraging divergent thinking. The Socratic method encourages open-minded discussion of ideas rather than competitive debate aimed at proving others wrong. Participants are expected to cite evidence respectfully, clarify confusion, and discuss ideas rather than opinions to further shared understanding.

1. Michael Maxson M.Ed.

2. "The Socratic method of teaching is based on Socrates' theory
that it is more important to enable students to think for
themselves than to merely fill their heads with "right" answers.
Therefore, he regularly engaged his pupils in dialogues by
responding to their questions with questions, instead of
answers. This process encourages divergent thinking rather than
convergent thinking" (Adams).
(from: http://www.greece.k12.ny.us/instruction/ela/SocraticSeminars/overview.htm)

3. The Philosopher Socrates

4. NOTE:
 These guidelines were originally written from the
point of view of using a read passage of text for the
discussion.
 However, I’ve updated them so instead of just text the
Socratic Dialog can be used for any other medium as
well.
 Also, I use the term “research” for any type of explored
media from printed to electronic, from a physical
library to the Interne; which I define as the largest
research library in the history or human history so far.
The Internet is perfect for using many different ideas
and points of view for using Socratic Dialog.

5. Guidelines for Participants in a
Socratic Seminar

6. Refer to the research when needed
during the discussion. A seminar is
not a test of memory.
You are not "learning a subject";
your goal is to understand the
ideas, issues, and values reflected
in the research.

7. It's OK to "pass" when asked to
contribute.

8. Do not participate if you are not
prepared.
A seminar should not be a bull or
complaint session.

9. Do not stay confused; ask for
clarification. Also, look to further
research for clarification.

10. Stick to the point currently under
discussion; make notes about ideas
you want to come back to.

11. Don't raise hands;
take turns speaking.

12. Listen carefully.

13. Speak up so that all can hear you.

14. Talk to each other, not just to the
leader or teacher.

15. Discuss ideas rather than each
other's opinions.

16. You are responsible for the
seminar, even if you don't know it
or admit it.

17. Expectations of Participants in a
Socratic Seminar

18. Speak loudly and clearly?

19. Cite reasons and evidence for their
statements?

20. Use the research to find support?

21. Listen to others respectfully?

22. Stick with the subject?

23. Talk to each other, not just to the
leader?

24. Paraphrase accurately?

25. Ask for help to clear up confusion?

26. Support each other?

27. Avoid hostile exchanges?

28. Question others in a civil manner?

29. Seem prepared?

30. Socratic Dialog vs. Debate

31. What is the difference between
dialogue and debate?
Dialogue is
collaborative:
multiple sides
work toward
shared
understanding.
Debate is
oppositional: two
opposing sides try
to prove each
other wrong.

32. What is the difference between
dialogue and debate?
In dialogue, one
listens to
understand, to
make meaning,
and to find
common ground.
In debate, one
listens to find
flaws, to spot
differences, and
to counter
arguments.

33. What is the difference between
dialogue and debate?
Dialogue enlarges
and possibly
changes a
participant's
point of view.
Debate defends
assumptions as
truth.

34. What is the difference between
dialogue and debate?
Dialogue creates
an open-minded
attitude: an
openness to being
wrong and an
openness to
change.
Debate creates a
close-minded
attitude, a
determination to
be right.

35. What is the difference between
dialogue and debate?
 In dialogue, one
submits one's best
thinking, expecting
that other people's
reflections will help
improve it rather
than threaten it.
 In debate, one
submits one's best
thinking and
defends it against
challenge to show
that it is right.

36. What is the difference between
dialogue and debate?
 Dialogue calls for
temporarily
suspending one's
beliefs.
 Debate calls for
investing
wholeheartedly in
one's beliefs.

37. What is the difference between
dialogue and debate?
 In dialogue, one
searches for
strengths in all
positions.
 In debate, one
searches for
weaknesses in the
other position.

38. What is the difference between
dialogue and debate?
 Dialogue respects
all the other
participants and
seeks not to alienate
or offend.
 Debate rebuts
contrary positions
and may belittle or
deprecate other
participants.

39. What is the difference between
dialogue and debate?
 Dialogue assumes
that many people
have pieces of
answers and that
cooperation can
lead to a greater
understanding.
 Debate assumes a
single right answer
that somebody
already has.

40. What is the difference between
dialogue and debate?
Dialogue remains
open-ended.
Debate demands
a conclusion.

41. Dialogue is characterized by:
 suspending judgment
 examining our own work without
defensiveness
 exposing our reasoning and looking for
limits to it
 communicating our underlying assumptions

42. Dialogue is characterized by:
 exploring viewpoints more broadly and
deeply
 being open to disconfirming data
 approaching someone who sees a problem
differently not as an adversary, but as a
colleague in common pursuit of better
solution.

43. Sources
 From: http://www.studyguide.org/socratic_seminar.htm