Socratic Circles

Empowering Student Centered Dialogue Matt Copeland, Writing Consultant Kansas State Department of Education Topeka, Kansas

“The unexamined life is not worth living.” —Socrates

Who Was Socrates?

Classical Greek philosopher 470(?) – 399 B.C.

Socrates was one of the founders of philosophy. Because his ideas and teachings upset the folks in charge, he ended up being put on trial and killed in Athens.

Socrates and the Theory of Knowledge Socrates believed the answers to all human questions reside within us and that through disciplined conversation we can discover ultimate truth. Socrates believed we should never stop asking “why.”

What is a Socratic Circle?

An activity in which participants engage in a conversation to collectively seek a deeper understanding of complex ideas.

The Inner and Outer Circles Outer Circle Inner Circle

Dialogue versus Debate 1.

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Dialogue Collaborative Listening to find agreement and meaning Enlarges and possibly changes point of view Complicates positions and issues 1.

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Debate Oppositional Listening to find flaws and weaknesses Affirms one’s own point of view Simplifies positions and issues

Benefits of Socratic Circles Advances critical reading Spurs critical thinking Improves discussion and listening skills Increases vocabulary Provides student ownership, voice, and empowerment Allows students to synthesize both the knowledge-base and the skills-base of the curriculum