ABSTRACT
In the simplest terms, Socratic circles are an in-class discussion that is focused upon a particular piece of text that students have spent time reading and analyzing. To prepare for effective Socratic circle instruction, teachers need to consider and understand the importance of three key areas: classroom climate, the teacher’s role, and teaching students to prepare for high-quality dialogue. Specifically, the teacher’s role in the Socratic circle process is fourfold: to select the text for discussion, to keep the discussion of the inner circle focused and moving, to direct the feedback of the outer circle, and to assess and evaluate the individual student and group performances. One of the keys to a successful Socratic circle is the ability to turn the guidance of the conversation and the ownership of the material over to the students. Teachers in schools with block scheduling have also found great success in using Socratic circles.
