Tap into hidden creativity, engage students in the learning process, and foster creative thinking and expression with innovative techniques based on Downing's research and experience. Some 75 activities that allow users to practice skills as they acquire them are accompanied by dozens of sample lessons and numerous tips for getting started and avoiding pitfalls. Imaginary excursions, choice mapping, Socratic seminars, storytelling, question stringing, scripted interviews, ensemble reading-and more-any educator can use these techniques. Grades K-12.

The Socratic Method - Plato's Use of Philosophical Drama

This book develops a new account of Socratic method, based on a psychological model of Plato's dramatic depiction of Socrates' character and conduct. Socratic method is seen as a blend of three types of philosophical discourse: refutation, truth-seeking, and persuasion. Cain focuses on the persuasive features of the method since, in her view, it is this aspect of Socrates' method that best explains the content and the value of the dialectical arguments.

The benefits and importance of Socratic seminars are widely recognized, but little has been written on how to make them happen successfully in the classroom. By offering real-world examples and straightforward answers to frequent questions, Matt Copeland has created a coaching guide for both the teacher new to Socratic seminars and the experienced teacher seeking to optimize the benefits of this powerful strategy. Socratic Circles also shows teachers who are familiar with literature circles the many ways in which these two practices complement and extend each other.