Students Who Speak More Have Better Chances of Getting That Grade of 3 Or 4

NAME:

BLOCK:

SOCRATIC SEMINAR INFORMATION

Students will discuss the research topics presented to them in a Socratic circle discussion. I will start off the discussion with a question and will allow students to discuss and debate the topic until I decide to ask more specific questions or re-direct the discussion.

Students who speak more have better chances of getting that grade of 3 or 4.

However, I will have a checklist to ensure EVERY student has the opportunity to speak. It is YOUR responsibility to take the initiative to speak and be professional in doing so.

Rules:

1. Respect for everyone at all times (No insults or belittling someone’s arguments-instead, appreciate everyone’s input and beliefs). 2. One person speaks at a time. 3. Raise your hand for permission to speak. 4. Do NOT hog the circle by making your responses drag on. I will give a signal to wrap it up. 5. Phones are to be put away, silenced, and out of sight.

Repeat violations of these rules will result in a failing grade for this assessment (either a 1 or a 0—I will leave this to my discretion).

This discussion should be treated like your final. Failure to participate or demonstrate respect in the discussion will result in a low grade and may seriously jeopardize your overall grade for the class. However, full participation and respect can insure a higher grade and a more successful overall grade for the semester.

1 Rubric:

0 = No contribution to the discussion.

1 = A response of “I don’t know” or just making a sound. “Uh…”

2 = A response that may state an opinion but does not go in-depth.

3 = A well-argued response supported by research that continues engagement with the circle.

4 = A well-argued response supported by research that changes or re-directs the discussion either to another closely-related topic OR a well-argued response supported by research that ties in multiple topics from our topics list or specific concepts from the class.

See the next page for topics.

2 Topics: Select two of the four topics to research in-depth and then research all the subtopics below the main topic.

Each of these topics will be discussed in the Socratic Seminar. However, I will check to see what the class decides to research to see which topics should be emphasized more.

Workplace Inequality:  How do we get more women involved in STEM fields?  The wage gap between men and women (fact or fiction?)

Wages and Salaries:  Should the minimum wage be raised to a living wage? Why or why not?  Are CEO’s overpaid? Discuss current executive compensation practices and how they can be improved.

Taxation Policy:  Flat tax vs. Progressive tax  Paying their fair share? (Should the rich pay more in taxes, should the poor pay more, OR should tax policy be reformed and how would you do it?)  Corporate taxes too high or too low and what are the implications?

Macroeconomic Issues:  Discuss the 2008 market crash and how it was similar/different to the crash of 1929.  How do we fix the $16 trillion debt? Do we raise more money or cut programs and which ones?

Research Worksheet

3 Use this worksheet to help you decide what you would like to research, where you found your information, and what you plan to discuss at the Socratic Seminar. Circle which topics you’d like to discuss. I will go around the room while you’re researching to check. If you wish to bring up a topic on your own, please notify me and write it down on Page 8 of this sheet.

Topic 1: Workplace Inequality

Your stance on subtopic 1: (Write down your ideas)

Sites you found:

What you’re going to discuss:

Your stance on subtopic 2: Male/Female Wage Gap Fact Fiction (Circle One)

Sites you found:

What you’re going to discuss:

4 Topic 2: Wages and Salaries

Your stance on subtopic 1: Yes to living wage or No to living wage? (Circle Yes or No)

Sites you found:

What you’re going to discuss:

Your stance on subtopic 2: CEOs are overpaid CEO’s are NOT overpaid (Circle one)

Sites you found:

What you’re going to discuss:

5 Topic 3: Taxation

Your stance on subtopic 1: Flat Tax Progressive Tax (Circle One)

Sites you found:

What you’re going to discuss:

Your stance on subtopic 2: Rich pay their fair share Rich do NOT pay their fair share (Circle One)

Sites you found:

What you’re going to discuss:

Your stance on subtopic 3: Corporate Taxes: Too high Too low (Circle One)

Sites you found:

What you’re going to discuss:

Topic 4: Macroeconomic Issues

6 Your stance on subtopic 1: (Put your ideas down regarding the 1929/2008 meltdowns)

Sites you found:

What you’re going to discuss:

Your stance on subtopic 2: (Your ideas for solving the debt)

Sites you found:

What you’re going to discuss:

7 This sheet will be used for extra space to write down further ideas before AND during the Socratic Seminar. It can also be used to jot down OTHER topics than the four topics mentioned.