Background:Socratic Seminars are not traditionally known for their incorporation of technology. In her article on the Socratic Method Heather Coffey outlines the strategy saying, "Developed from Plato’s Socratic Dialogues, the Socratic method of teaching is a student-centered approach that challenges learners to develop their critical thinking skills and
engage in analytic discussion. The Socratic method can be used at any grade level and
with all subject areas, and lessons can be adapted to fit a changing society". This learning method is ripe for technological integration.
The first area where technology can be a welcome shift to this classic method is in the generation of questions. Coffey states, "Ideally, teachers develop open-ended questions about texts and encourage students to use textual evidence to support their opinions and answers. In the Socratic seminar, the teacher uses questions to guide discussion around specific learning goals". I, personally, have my students develop their own questions and submit them via PollEverywhere.com (linked below). I can sift through the question submissions and "randomly" (read: choose the ones that do guide the discussion around my intended learning goals) select ones for students to grapple with.
The second area where technology can change the overall experience is in the feedback and reflection component. Half of the steps Coffey outlines for an effective Socratic Seminar are centered on feedback and reflection: "The outer circle evaluates the inner circle’s conversation and provides feedback to the inner circle. Students switch circles. The new inner circle discusses the text for approximately ten minutes and then is given ten minutes of feedback by the outer circle". After each Socratic Seminar, I like to take it a step further. I have my students compose a written reflection (they're only 12-13 years old, so this step is needed for confidence and direction), then record their reflection via FlipGrid responses. With FlipGrid they can then watch, listen, and respond to their peers' reflections. From my perspective, this adds a whole new level to the conversation. Actual student responses are linked below from our last Socratic Seminar.
Standards:
- CC.1.2.7.B Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly, as well as inferences, conclusions, and/or generalizations drawn from the text.
- CC.1.4.7.I Acknowledge alternate or opposing claims and support claim with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic.
- CC.1.4.7.U Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and link to and cite sources as well as to interact and collaborate with others, including linking to and citing sources.
- CC.1.5.7.A Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions, on grade-level topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
- CC.1.5.7.B Delineate a speaker’s argument and specific claims, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence.
