Socratic Seminar 101 in Grade 7

Seventh graders in Dr. Cindy Dolgin's classes got their first taste of engaging in a Socratic Seminar. A tool for building a culture of student-led discussions, this type of dialogue centered around a series of "starter questions" about the United Nations Sustainability Goals, a focus of the Middle School's unit on Peace and Justice. Based on the Greek Philosopher Socrates' method of student inquiry rather than teacher lecture, this type of seminar gives students ownership over their learning and a sense of community. Although the teacher is seemingly offstage, a meaningful and effective Socratic seminar only occurs through intentional planning. For a quick sample of how the process works, click HERE.