Socrates Final Question

Perhaps, this will show my age, but I recall an old movie with these two guys "Bill and Ted" going on an adventure and kidnapping Socrates for their history report. When trying to communicate with him, they have to "philosophize" with him and dredge up their most philosophical of concepts stemming from an old 1977 rock song by Kansas: we are but "dust in the wind"...dude. It seemed to work for them , but I always wondered what Socrates would really have been like if brought through time to today?

I also tend to wonder how Socrates would respond to his name being attributed to the most popular of seminar discussion formats, the Socratic Seminar. What was HIS last question? Again, I think of the words from another 80's movie (Real Genius)..."I was pondering the immortal last words of Socrates...who said: 'I drank what?'".

The Socratic seminar is a very good strategy for involving all of the learners in meaningful exchanges in order to explore and define a topic or idea. It is very good at eliciting student understanding through verbal expression as well as formative evaluation of relationships and connections that students are making with their previous knowledge. It is also very useful when all students have a good common text to use that is current/relevant to their own lives or futures. (Such as a recent internet or magazine article.) By discussing in open format the meaning and interpretation of text, concepts, or ideas, students not only improve their own understanding, but also their peers as well.

However, students and teachers must be very well prepared as well as understand and abide by respectful rules of engagement during a Socratic Seminar. It is not appropriate for every kind of learning, but is especially helpful where open interpretation and exchange can lead all to a new insight about a particular "text". It may also work well with certain types of complex issues as well as some of those "moral dilemmas" that involve trying to decide upon the least destructive of several evils. (i.e. the best course of action) I think that students who have good reading and speaking skills as well as reasonable comfort level and self-efficacy can respond well to Socratic Seminar. However, those with limited use of the language, learning disabilities, verbal or reading difficulties, or those with emotional/social issues related to the topic may need to be put into a differentiated group when using this type of instructional strategy. Ultimately, the teacher has to consider very carefully how and when to use it, as well as what to do with any students who may not be entirely comfortable in this type of learning situation. The teacher also has to have a thorough knowledge of the text and a plan of questions and possible directions for the ensuing discussion. An exit card strategy for all of the students would also be essential in the planning process to insure that all students will benefit from the knowledge and input from their peers.

In science, the Socratic Seminar is especially helpful when discussing the Nature of Science and current scientific/ethical dilemmas. A good example would be human stem cell research, human cloning, interpretive microbial life (is a virus "life"?), artifical intelligence, evolutionary pathways, and various economical or resource issues such as environmental protection and species extinction. In short, there are many areas where the Socratic seminar could be used in science classes.

For younger students, I have used a short version of this along with a "talking stick" of sorts to allow each student to have a say in the "circle" and see what they think. This usually follows a short story by the teacher about what we are studying and then proceeds around the circle or group by passing the talking stick to various members. Typically, everyone will get the stick once on the first round, then it can be passed back and forth to anyone who wants to talk. I usually conduct this for five to ten minutes with 1st or 2nd graders and then move to an activity.

So, what would Socrates say about his seminar learning format being used today?

I am sure he would have more questions than answers. (and probably decline the offer of any "liquid" refreshment...)

An aside: Could a schizophrenic have his own individual socratic seminar? Who would moderate? What would he most likely conclude?

"Its all Greek to me."

Smiles,

Tim