This format works best for classroom-based discussions. Other adults may or may not be in attendance.

The Socratic method of teaching is based on Socrates' theory that it is more important to enable students to think for themselves than to merely fill their heads with "right" answers. Therefore, he regularly engaged his pupils in dialogues by responding to their questions with questions, instead of answers. This process encourages divergent thinking rather than convergent.

Participants are given opportunities to "examine" a common piece of text, whether it is in the form of a novel, poem, art print, or piece of music. After "reading" the common text "like a love letter", open-ended questions are posed.

Open-ended questions allow students to think critically, analyze multiple meanings in text, and express ideas with clarity and confidence.

Guidelines for the Socratic Seminar process can be found at numerous web sites including:

• http://www.studyguide.org/socratic_seminar.htm
  
• http://www.teachnlearn.org/socratic_seminars.htm
  
• http://curriculumfutures.org/instruction/a06-07.html
  
• http://www.maxlow.net/avid/socsem/socraticseminars.html
  

Specific guidelines for middle school students:

• http://www.ncsu.edu/literacyjunction/html/tutorialsocratic.html
  
• http://www.middleweb.com/Socratic.html
  

Information to use to help in grading participants can be found at:

• http://www.teachnlearn.org/socratic_seminars.htm#Participant%20Rubric
  
• http://www.nusd.k12.az.us/nhs/gthomson.class/web.pagemain/socraticsmeinar.html
  
• http://www.greece.k12.ny.us/instruction/ela/SocraticSeminars/seminarrubrics.htm
  

Specific recommended texts and seminar questions related to the individual radio show topics can be found on the topic web pages.