ABSTRACT
Socratic circles offer a type of real-world, student-centered learning where the teacher acts only to keep the discussion moving forward, regardless of the discussion’s direction. A benefit of Socratic circles is that they bring all the areas of the curriculum and instruction together into a cohesive whole. Perhaps the most obvious difference between literature circles and Socratic circles is the element of student choice in reading material. Socratic circles are an excellent means of developing a wide range of academic skills. Beyond capturing the imagination and creativity, Socratic circles can build skills in the areas of reading, listening, reflection, critical thinking, and participation. They not only allow students to become more comfortable with speaking in classroom discussions, but help them develop skills in speaking persuasively and supporting their ideas with references to textual evidence. The social skill that continues to be increasingly important in today’s rapidly changing world is conflict resolution.
