Academic Conversations foster critical thinking. It begins with educators. Understanding and teaching Point of View through Socratic Seminars help analyze how different people might look at a same idea in a different situation. An academic Classroom environment brimming with respect for other ideas, equity of voice and mutual support is vital to the entire education process. This Introductory Thinking Strategy and Lessons provide a direct approach to increasing student awareness of the thinking process.

The Socratic Seminar is a powerful teaching and learning strategy. It is a thoughtful dialogue that fosters reflective thinking and a catalyst for lively discussion that leads to a deeper understanding of issues themes, and ideas! (This stresses Point of View and Open-Ended Questions) Each step of the Socratic Seminar increases students understand of the “big ideas” within a chosen text. One cannot have collaboration if one does not respect the voices of their peers.