AP English Socratic Circle (12/20/16): A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

For today's first socratic circle we will be breaking into two groups: the first will be our "fishbowl," leading a group discussion about Staves 1 and/or 2 of A Christmas Carol; the second will be our audience, observing how discussion is going and if they agree/disagree with the conversation taking place in the middle.

Instructions: 
Audience members: in the comments section of this post, make thoughtful observations about the conversation taking place in the "fishbowl."  Good observations will do the following:

1. Identify when you agree/disagree with observations and specifically state why (ASR: Apt Specific Reference).  
2. Observe what specific group members did that helped to "propel" conversation forward, respond to their group members, and provide thoughtful observations.

Fishbowl members: in yesterday's class, you worked with your group members to pick what sections of Staves 1 and 2 you wanted to discuss and what roles you will play (i.e., discussion leader, "Sherlock Holmes," "Librarian," "Matchmaker," etc.).  You also wrote your own Level 1, 2, and 3 questions about your passage(s).  Students receiving a 3, "Meets," on Speaking and Listening 1, will do the following: 

1. Come to discussion prepared, having read and researched materials beforehand. SL1a
2. Work with peers to promote a civil, democratic discussion, set clear goals, and establish individual roles. SL1b
3. Propel conversations forward by posing and asking questions that probe reasoning and ask for evidence. SL1c
4. Respond thoughtful to diverse perspectives, synthesize (combine) comments, claims, and evidence, resolve contradictions, and investigate meaning. SL1d

AP English (11/14/16): Socratic Circles Overview

Socratic circles use the idea of two concentric circles: the audience on the outside and the "fishbowl" on the inside.

In Wednesday's class, we briefly discussed socratic circles and how they were set up.
For tomorrow's first socratic circle, we will be breaking into two groups: the first will be our "fishbowl," leading a group discussion about Staves 1 and/or 2 of A Christmas Carol; the second will be our audience, observing how discussion is going and if they agree/disagree with the conversation taking place in the middle.

Instructions: 
For today's class, you will prepare for your socratic circles.  First, divide into two groups; then, select what passages you want to discuss from Staves 1, and 2.  When you are ready, assign group members' roles (below) and come up with level 1, 2, and 3 questions for your passage(s).

Possible roles of group members are the following:

• Explorer: "Let's try a new path or perspective..." 
• Sherlock Holmes: "I think we have overlooked an important clue (comment/bit of text)..." 
• Librarian: "Here's a passage in the text that supports your point..." 
• Matchmaker: "What you are saying is a lot like what Sue said earlier..." 
• Judge Judy: "Let's see what the argument is between you two and try to settle it..." 
• Will Rogers: "Let's find a way to make her/his seemingly odd/unpleasant/ incorrect comment more plausible or helpful..."

Friday's socratic circle should take about fifteen minutes with group members giving feedback in the comments section of the blog.  After those fifteen minutes are up, the outer group will give a short overview of their feedback, then switch roles. We will have time to do two socratic circles in class, so be ready to be in the fishbowl and the audience! Good luck!