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Discussion Night – Term 3, 2021
30 August 2021 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Socratic Seminar Discussion Night
A Socratic Seminar is a way of achieving a layered and deeper understanding of a text by way of discussion. Different to a debate, participants are not competing, but work together using Socrates’ method of open-ended questions, to construct meaning. As the name suggests, a Socratic Seminar is not a method introduced by Montessori; however, it is widely used in Montessori adolescent programs around the world as it is so well aligned with the Montessori philosophy of education.
Montessori says:
“It seems that the capacity of really understanding is connected with discussion, with criticism, or with assent of others. The satisfaction of knowing must be immediately communicated to others, and in this communication enthusiasm increases. True study and thinking require the same association as is required by manual work.” – Maria Montessori, From Childhood to Adolescence, Appendix C, p. 88-89.
We would like to share the mechanisms of this valuable method with you, and explain the framework through participation. Socratic Seminar can be used for all subject areas or ethical questions, and the ‘text’ can be a visual, an article, a problem or a piece of music. This flexibility underlines our cross-curricular approach.
Even if your child is not yet in our lower secondary program, we think you’ll find this discussion interesting and pertinent.
Booking your spot now!