Sixth-graders at Lynbrook North Middle School proved the relevance of the Socratic method in the modern classroom when they participated in a series of Socratic seminars.
The ancient Greek philosopher Socrates engaged his students in intellectual conversations, answering questions with more questions, to encourage them to think for themselves. This type of student-centered learning is perfectly aligned with the Common Core Learning Standards. Depending upon the structure of the Socratic seminar, students can touch upon all Common Core Learning Standards for speaking and listening.
Specifically, students practice developing a point of view, reasoning and using evidence to support their ideas. In addition, students work collaboratively to find meaning in higher level texts, while implementing communication skills with their peers.
After their teachers explained how a Socratic seminar works, they posed an open-ended question to the students who took over the reigns, directing their own engaging discussions, posing their own questions and sharing and listening to one another’s opinions in a respectful manner.
In one example, students were asked to draw comparisons between the views about life expressed in the Natalie Babbitt novel “Tuck Everlasting” and the Joni Mitchell song “The Circle Game.” Drawing examples using specific references from each work, students expressed their opinions about the main of idea of each text, brought up different points of views, shared similarities they noted, and queried about things that puzzled them. As the discussion progressed, the lively interaction drew students into deeper and deeper levels of thought and discussion.
In true Socratic fashion, students were mindful to encourage each other to participate and listen respectfully to one another, creating an atmosphere that supported students as they delved deeper into their discussion. In this atmosphere of acceptance, students were free to explore, question and guide their own path toward new discovery.
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