Socratic Circles:
Empowering Student-Centered Discussion
| Audience: Grades 7-12 Teachers |
| Presenter: Matt Copeland |
| Date: Monday, September 8, 2008 |
| Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. |
| Location: Jones Institute for Educational Excellence, The Earl Center 1601 State Street |
| Cost: $110 (includes lunch, refreshments and
a copy of Copeland’s book,
Socratic Circles) |
| Available for graduate credit (0.5 hr). |
| Enrollment is limited to 40 participants |
| Register for this workshop >> |
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Tired of being the person who both
asks and answers questions in a classroom
discussion? Looking for ways to
encourage critical reading, thinking,
discussion and democratic principles?
Socratic Circles, a type of student-centered
discussion with
the teacher as facilitator,
offer students the opportunity
to construct content
knowledge through conversation
and improve their
discussion skills through
peer coaching. This workshop
offers an introduction
to the process of Socratic Circles and
provides resources and materials to
begin using the strategy immediately.
Participants will:
- examine the philosophical
underpinnings of Socratic Circles,
- participate in a Socratic Circle,
- and consider the application
of this strategy within their own
classroom, regardless of content
area or age level.
The workshop will employ a
multi-modal media presentation
including PowerPoint,
video, written text, discussion
and small group interaction
to bring the power and magic
of Socratic Circles to life for
participants and will include handouts
and examples that can be used
immediately.
Matt Copeland is a language arts and literacy consultant for the Kansas State Department of Education. A former English teacher and department
head at his alma mater, Washburn Rural High School, in Topeka, Kansas, he has been recognized as the 2006 Distinguished Kansan of the Year in Education, a 2005 Milken National Educator, and a 2003 Kansas Master Teacher. He is a frequent presenter at local, regional, and national conferences and has published several books, essays, and poems on the teaching of English. He also serves as an officer and executive
board member of the Kansas Association of Teachers of English.
Register online >>>
