ABSTRACT
When the National Paideia Center trains teachers in the three-columns of teaching and learning, the first focus is usually on the seminar as a formal teaching ritual to be used on a regular basis with students so that it becomes a positive and eagerly anticipated part of the classroom culture. Initial research suggests that middle and high school students derive the greatest benefit from a consistent, schoolwide implementation of the seminar, but individual teachers can certainly use the seminar as a teaching technique with positive results in only their classrooms. To give beginning seminar leaders the best possible chance for success, introductory training should include observation, participation, and practice leadership that is followed by regular observation and coaching from an experienced leader during the year.
