FishbowlDiscussion/SocraticSeminarGOALSandNORMS

Through a process of listening, making meaning, and finding common ground, students
work toward shared understanding rather than trying to prove a particular argument. A
Socratic seminar is not used for the purpose of debate, persuasion, or personal
reflection, as the focus is on developing shared meaning of a text.
1. Speak so that all can hear you.
2. Listen closely.
3. Speak without raising hands.
4. Refer to the text.
5. Talk to each other, not just the leader.
6. Ask for clarification. Dont stay confused.
7. Invite and allow others to speak.
8. Consider all viewpoints and ideas.
9. Know that you are responsible for the quality of the discussion.

DiscussionScript(SentenceStarters)
Interrupting
Excuse me, but... (I dont understand.)
Sorry for interrupting, but... (I missed what you said.)
May I interrupt for a moment?
May I add something here?

AskingforClarification
Could you repeat that?
Could you give me an example of that?
I have a question about that: ...?
Could you please explain what _______________ means?
Would you mind repeating that?
Im not sure I understood that. Could you please give us another example?
Would you mind going over _____________ for us again?
So, do you mean...?
What did you mean when you said...?
Are you sure that...?

BuildingonWhatOthersSay
I agree with what ______________ said because . . . .
You bring up an interesting point, and I also think . . . .
Thats an interesting idea. I wonder . . .? I think. . . . Do you think . . .?
I thought about that also, and Im wondering why . . .?
I hadnt thought of that before. You make me wonder if . . . ? Do you think . . .?
___________said that. . . . I agree and also think. . . .
Based on the ideas from _____, _______, and ______, it seems like we all think that....
ProbingforHigherLevelThinking
What examples do you have of . . . ?
Where in the text can we find...?
I understand . . ., but I wonder about. . . .
How does this idea connect to . . .?
If _______ is true, then . . .?
What would happen if . . .?
Do you agree or disagree with his/her statement? Why?
What is another way to look at it?
How are ____ and _____ similar?
Why is ____ important?
How do you know that? Can you give an example?
Is there another way to look at this?

ExpressinganOpinion
I think/believe/predict/imagine that...
In my opinion...
It seems to me that...
Not everyone will agree with me, but...

Responding
I agree with what ______________ said because...
Youre right about that, and I also think...
Thats an interesting idea. I wonder...? I think... Do you think...?
I thought about that also, and Im wondering why...?
I hadnt thought of that before. You make me wonder if...? Do you think...?

Disagreeing
I dont really agree with you because...
I see it another way. I think...
I have a different answer than you...

SolicitingaResponse
Do you agree?
_____ (name), what do you think?
Can someone else ask a question or offer an opinion?
_____ (name), what did you understand from that answer?

OfferingaSuggestion
Maybe you/we could...
Heres something we/you might try. What if you/we...?