Peacefield History

Teaching Critical Thinking Creatively

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Shop
    • Shop Teaching Materials on TpT
  • Community
    • Join our Email Community
    • Join our Collaborative Facebook Group
  • About Peacefield History

Socratic Seminars in the Middle School Social Studies Classroom

By: peacefieldhistory1 Comment

Setting Up a Socratic Seminar

Middle school students are still learning the art of conversation, so when we as educators decide to have our class conduct a Socratic Seminar, we need to offer some structure to make sure that the debate offers a positive learning experience.  I’ve had several debates over the years, some much better than others.  In recent years, I realized that there were some crucial components to making sure that a debate, or a Socratic seminar, proved successful in my middle school classroom.

The students have to understand the topic of the seminar

I know, obvious, right? Maybe not so much.  Say we want our students to debate whether the death penalty should be legal.  Most students will have an initial opinion on this topic without any research.  Most teachers will then require students to research that information so that they can be more aware of the arguments for both sides.  However, unless we want to devote considerable time to the research process and the accessing and breaking down of information, the students will come away from their research with a really uneven amount of knowledge. Although I’d love to have time to have my students research every topic I have them debate, I’ve found that the process is too cumbersome.  I want them to practice debating, and I want them to understand the topic they debate.  Research is considered a separate assignment.

What I do

In order to make sure that my students are clear with their understanding, I actually write the articles they will read.  I do my own research on the topics and create two one-page handouts that represent each side of the topic. When necessary, I cite statistics, and I keep track of my own sources. I make sure that the reading level is accessible, and they are a reasonable length.  It is my goal that students are able to access all the ideas related to each side of the debate. Students read the articles in the days before the debate. Then, I make sure all students are ready for debating by reviewing the arguments in class.  Students also develop their own viewpoint

Socratic Seminar Middle School Classroom

The Socratic Seminar topic needs to be authentic

Whatever topic you pick, you need to make sure that you have an even-handed topic. The “right” side shouldn’t be obvious or clear. Really. I want my students altering their thinking during the debate, switching back and forth, weighing and reasoning each side. If one side has a clear advantage.

What I do

I pick topics that I find complex. The best topics are topics that have even sided arguments – arguments where they thinking really isn’t settled.  I have two that I’ve published.  Should the U.S keep the Electoral College? and Should we change the name of Columbus Day?  Students can argue each side and still have a good argument.

All students should feel comfortable enough to talk during the debate

If you ever been in a classroom, ever, you know that some students talk more than others. This doesn’t change with your typical debate – even if the students know that it’s graded. I’ve found that most all willing to talk as long as they know the material. Some students just can’t interject, they just don’t have that type of personality. On the opposite end, some students love to talk – all the time – no matter whether anyone is listening.

What I do

Talking task cards! I try my best to avoid speaking on debate day.  I want the students to interact with each other, and not with me. Therefore, they need to be provided with some structure that encourages them to interact. When the students enter the class on debate day, they each have four talking cards on their desks. Three of the cards instruct the students to add a point to the conversation.  The last card requires them to ask a question.  With this card, students can ask a question about the topic, or ask a question of each other.  This where the more reluctant students enter the conversation. Students are able to add to the conversation when they are asked specific questions that they can answer.

Then, the cards have one more rule.   The kids know, once you’ve used up your cards, you can’t talk.  You can’t talk until everyone else has used up their cards.  The students who love to talk use up their cards, and model the debate process for those students who are more reluctant.  Then, the other students can join in the conversation.

The assessment needs to be authentic but simple 

Folks, I’m a real living breathing active teacher.  I love having my students debate, but I want those debates graded in class!  I don’t want to have to record the debates, and then rewatch them while I eat dinner!

What I do

I developed a simple rubric to make sure that I can grade the students as they speak.  Every time they make a comment in class, I make a mark somewhere on the rubric.  If they make a really valuable comment, I add an X to the mastery column(5).  If they speak just to speak, or they’re just repeating what someone else is said, then they earn a 3 or a 2.  Students are encouraged to think and respond to other students’ ideas.  They are reminded that this is the only way they can earn mastery.

That’s it!  I hope this post encourages you to schedule a Socratic Seminar for your class.  The students find them to be intensely fun, and they really learn!


Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here:

Cookie Policy

Trackbacks

  1. 10 Cooperative Learning Idea for a Socially Distanced Classroom - Peacefield History says:
    October 11, 2020 at 2:25 pm

    […] school debates, I create a structure that facilitates speaking AND listening. Check out my previous blog on how to set up a socratic seminar in your classroom, what your role as the teacher is, as well as […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

About Peacefield History

Peacefield History is filled with all topics teaching and history related. Follow me for trends in education, teacher tech tips, history related reading, and other more general musings.

Search

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Join the Facebook Group

Follow Me on Pinterest

Instagram

peacefieldhistory

I had a small win this Friday, and I needed it thi I had a small win this Friday, and I needed it this week. I told my AP students that I was excited about this quiz idea, and they laughed. Honestly, there’s not much to look forward to in a pandemic, and if an exciting quiz is it, well so be it. 

I took the idea of hexagonal review and turned it into a quiz. It was assigned in Google Slides, and I could see the minute they start editing, and the minute they finished. This also worked remotely, and it even worked for my students who have iffy internet. Zoom in to read the directions, and let me know if you have questions. (My Kardashian example is an inside joke with my AP kids.) 

#socialstudies #iteachhistory #iteachAP #socialstudiesteachersrock #iteachmiddleschool #iteachhistory #socialstudiestips #remoteteaching #hybridteaching
You are watching an insurrection. This is domesti You are watching an insurrection. 
This is domestic terrorism. 
This is not a representative Democracy. 

Period.
𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴???? ⁣ 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴???? ⁣
⁣
I don't think we should be first on the list by any means... however, when I see teachers from other states getting that coveted shot in their arm, I wonder when it will be our turn. ⁣
⁣
I just want some information.⁣
⁣
#socialstudiesteacher #socialstudies #teachinghistory  #hybridlearning #weareteachers #teacherlife #middleschoolsteacher #teachersfollowteachers  #distancelearning #iteachhistory #
This post might be two days late, but that's becau This post might be two days late, but that's because I'm all about finding "balance" this year. Balance between...⁣
⁣
work/life⁣
school/home⁣
plenty/simplicity⁣
productivity/relaxation⁣
the past/ the future⁣
growth/contentment⁣
⁣
I can over think everything at every moment of the day. This year, I just want to live and savor the days instead. (This might just be because I'm 40 now, but I see those days as they pass, and they are fast y'all.)⁣
⁣
#socialstudiesteacher #socialstudies #teachinghistory #TpT #teacherspayteachers #teacherlife #middleschoolteacher #teachersfollowteachers  #distancelearning #iteachhistory #distancelearning  #engagingteaching #historyteacher #iteachmiddleschool #iteachAP #teacheronbreak
Accurate. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to t Accurate.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to those who celebrate in this season! I’m just trying not to eat ALL the spinach and artichoke dip that I made... #selfcare #thedipistheselfcare
My students have been playing "For Crown or Colony My students have been playing "For Crown or Colony?" over the past week, and I needed a new way to make sure that they were understanding/paying attention to what they were learning from the game. I wanted this check-in to be quick, easy to mark, and with minimal clicking on my part. @Padlet came to my rescue. Here's how I set it up.⁣
⁣
1. I posted a question with directions. My post was the only item visible on the page.⁣
2. Student didn't have to log in, they just created their own posts and added their names at the top. ⁣
3. To prevents students from copying each other, I make the posts require approval. This way, I could see all the posts, but they could not. I could provide a check next to their names as I gradually approved the posts. ⁣
⁣
This worked. Students would review the posts the next day to see how their interactions with the game differed. It was easy and quick, and we all need more of that this year. I hope you're thriving and not just surviving right now in your classroom!⁣
⁣
Allison⁣
⁣
#socialstudiesteacher #socialstudies #teachinghistory #TpT #teacherspayteachers #hybridlearning #teacherlife #middleschoolsteacher #teachersfollowteachers #historyteacher #distancelearning #iteachhistory #distancelearning #cooperativelearning #padlet #missionus #forcrownorcolony  #iteachmiddleschool
So basically today was about how much I look like So basically today was about how much I look like my Bitmoji. 🤷🏻‍♀️ #greatkidslongyear #iteachmiddleschool #socialstudiesteacher #iteachhistory #hybridteaching #socialstudies #bitmoji #teachersofinstagram
I'm EXHAUSTED, but I'm starting to figure out how I'm EXHAUSTED, but I'm starting to figure out how this hybrid learning thing works. (It probably helps that I have the sweetest kids under the sun this year!) Since I've had a couple nights of actual sleep, I decided to blog about some of the ideas I've had for cooperative learning this year. It's definitely more difficult, but it's not impossible. (Especially since I've fallen in love with Google Breakout rooms.) Click the link in my profile to learn more!
I have a million tasks on my plate right now, but I have a million tasks on my plate right now, but I may have spent some of my Saturday rearranging my plants. Swipe to see some of my faves. (Yes I have fave plants, don’t you?!) 

#noregrets #havetograde #plantsaremyhappyplace #plantlady #houseplants #sundayvibes #homedecor #sundayscaries
The day after the President told teachers that the The day after the President told teachers that they were focusing too much on slavery in our history, we talked about slavery in my AP class. Why? It's a HUGE part of U.S. History, and not shocking, it also a HUGE part of my curriculum. Slavery comes up often in my classes because it's so fundamental to our development as a country. I'd traditionally done this lesson as a silent conversation, however, I decided to have my hybrid class use Jamboard instead for this lesson.  I gave them 8 "thought provoking" prompts. They had to respond using the ideas they generated by reading two articles (Nash and Kendi). Then, they had to respond to a classmate's posts on each slide. ⁣
⁣
It was an intense and silent period. Students were clicking, typing and THINKING. Their brains were flying and focused. It was interesting, when the bell rang it startled all of this. The initial feedback was that they really enjoyed the experience. We had nine slides filled with details and ideas. Of all that I have done with hybrid teaching thus far, this was probably my favorite. ⁣
⁣
I had a bit of a lightbulb go off with this experience. We're often tasks with "summing things up" at the end of every lesson. With this lesson, I made it about the PROCESS. Thinking, critical thinking, doesn't always lead to an immediate resolution. My students still learned, despite not having a summation.⁣
⁣
This is not my lesson. I've blogged about it previously, and all the resources are there. Click the link in my profile to grab them.
I had another post scheduled for this evening, but I had another post scheduled for this evening, but right now all I can think about is this tremendous loss and my concern for our country. She lived an admirable life, and the fears we have because of her death make me so sad. 

Image from @theimpeccablewoman
Since many of us teaching remotely in some form th Since many of us teaching remotely in some form these days,  I compiled a list of my favorite Youtube channels for teaching Middle School History.  You can check out my blog post by clicking the link in my profile.
One of the best things I did for myself this past One of the best things I did for myself this past year was revive my garden. It had fallen to pieces the previous year. I was overwhelmed by life, and the garden was way too big for just me. It had become a place of stress instead of joy. This year, I cut it in half and had my Dad help me rebuild the beds. With a smaller garden, I was able to maintain the space properly. It looks so much better, I grew veggies and flowers again, and I love going out there now!

Never forget to keep a space for yourself. Both a tangible space and one in your mind.
I had the BEST day with students today. I introduc I had the BEST day with students today. I introduced them to @pear_deck, and we were all able to collectively learn. They learned about the program, and I learned a bit more about them! I gave them a bunch of different kinds of questions to get them used to the platform. For one, they had to draw a historical event, and then their classmates had to guess which even they were drawing. I faced my  computer towards the screen so that both my in class students and my remote students could participate. It was so cool! Everyone had a chance to be a part of the conversation.

I still look serious here however, because despite these positive experiences, we all have to stay vigilant. Keep cleaning, socially distancing, and keep that mask on! I want to at least keep hybrid schooling in my life, and that will only happen if our cases stay low.

Get some rest this weekend!
So, my first day back with students went by in a f So, my first day back with students went by in a flash, so here’s a picture from the morning before the school day.

Honestly, for me today was pretty darn good. To see my AP kids in the room was just pure joy (I had them in seventh also.) The hybrid thing was weird, but we’ll get used to it. The seventh graders were still super cute - online or in person - and we all just seemed happy to be back. I know that it’s going to get more difficult, and I think that grading online is certainly going to kill me. However, I’m going to savor this moment. I just felt grateful to be back in my classroom. (Oh, and wearing a mask really wasn’t that bad.🤷🏻‍♀️)

I hope your day was good also, and if it wasn’t, I hope it gets better soon!
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Categories

  • AP U.S. History
  • Assessment
  • Book Reviews
  • Classroom Management
  • Digital Learning
  • Inquiry Based Learning
  • Lessons
  • Professional Development
  • Standards Based Grading
  • Teacher Budgeting
  • Teacher Interviews
  • Teacher Self Care
  • Teacher Tech
  • Teaching Strategies
  • Teaching the Election

Popular Posts

  • Designing your Social Studies Classroom Cheaply and Easily
    Designing your Social Studies Classroom Cheaply and Easily
  • 4 Fun Websites for Teaching Geography Interactively
    4 Fun Websites for Teaching Geography Interactively
  • 10 Hacks for Creating with Google Slides - Part 1
    10 Hacks for Creating with Google Slides - Part 1
  • 10 Cooperative Learning Idea for a Socially Distanced Classroom
    10 Cooperative Learning Idea for a Socially Distanced Classroom
  • Eight Youtube Channels for Teaching Middle School Social Studies
    Eight Youtube Channels for Teaching Middle School Social Studies
  • Utilizing MEAL for Paragraph Writing in Social Studies
    Utilizing MEAL for Paragraph Writing in Social Studies
  • My Favorite History Review Game of All Time!
    My Favorite History Review Game of All Time!
  • The Best Inquiry Based Social Studies Lessons on the Web
    The Best Inquiry Based Social Studies Lessons on the Web
  • A Critical Thinking One Pager Assessment
    A Critical Thinking One Pager Assessment
  • 8 (More) Podcasts for History Teachers
    8 (More) Podcasts for History Teachers

Find me on Facebook

Find me on Facebook

© 2018–2021 Peacefield History.
  • Contact Me
  • Privacy Policy