The Chrysalids:

Socratic Circles
Throughout this unit, you will be encouraged to pull out themes and ideas from The Chrysalids and the other texts we address and connect those ideas to real-world issues. Over the course of the novel study, you should select a complex issue that interests you and begin researching the writing and thinking that has been done on the topic. By the end of the unit, you should have two pieces (news articles, videos, documentary clips, blog entries, etc.) that relate to, complicate, or expand upon the big ideas weve discussed throughout. Once we have completed studying the novel, well begin Socratic Circles. Each day well have an inner circle and an outer circle; the individuals in the inner circle will each take a turn as the facilitator. The facilitator leads the group discussion pertaining to the research he or she has brought to class. It is the inner circles job to read the research completed by the other members of the inner circle; each member should also come to class with ideas, questions, and/or important passages. In short, you should be prepared to delve into a complex discussion. When preparing to act as facilitator, ensure that your inner circle has access to your research and prepare a list of open-ended questions that will provoke discussion. Remember: the purpose of a Socratic Circle is not to come to an answer, but to explore complex ideas. An excellent way to approach this goal would be to include research pieces with opposing views. While the inner circle discusses an issue, the outer circle will keep track of who is speaking and the points that the inner circle is making. When discussion winds down, the outer circle members will ask a question of the inner circle, meant to clarify, deepen, or expand. One goal of Socratic Circles is to understand the ideas and thoughts of others through asking questions and listening to answers. This means that participants must practice how to agree and disagree. Participants must be able to disagree without being disagreeable. In order to do so, the participants can use the following suggested ways of responding as a way of framing their thoughts before they speak. Speaking and responding in a calm, collaborative manner is essential to good discussion and dialogue. 1) I agree with__________ because, but I want to add another reason why I think _________ is true. (Give another reason.) 2) I disagree with __________ because . . . 3) I'm not sure why ___________ said . . . Can you reword your comments to help me understand? 4) I understand your point, __________, but I want to add/disagree/give another side . . . 5) This is what I think you are saying. . . Is that correct?