What characterizes a Socratic seminar?

• A. A formal debate to assert opinions.
• B. A discussion focused solely on facts.
• C. A collaborative dialogue around essential questions.
• D. A lecture from the teacher to the students.

Answer: (C)

A Socratic seminar is characterized by a collaborative dialogue that revolves around essential questions. This format encourages students to engage with one another in discussion rather than simply delivering facts or asserting opinions. The goal is to promote critical thinking, deeper understanding, and the exploration of diverse perspectives through open-ended questioning. Participants are invited to share their thoughts, challenge each other's ideas, and build upon one another’s contributions, leading to richer insights into the subject matter at hand. This kind of interaction aligns with the principles laid out by Socratic pedagogy, which emphasizes inquiry and dialogue as means of learning.