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"Socratic teaching ...
... is the oldest, and still the most powerful, teaching tactic for fostering critical thinking. "
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- Paul & Elder, The Foundation for Critical Thinking and authors of Critical Thinking
I have over 20 years of experience as a teacher and educational consultant specializing in Socratic inquiry. As a trainer and consultant, I've run 100+ workshops and advised and collaborated with dozens of schools, districts, and educational organizations across North America, working with a broad spectrum of educators, from K-12 teachers and parent volunteers to college professors and homeschoolers. My mission is to promote this dynamic and flexible approach to teaching and learning by offering online and in-person training courses, customized support and coaching, and providing a wide range of online resources available on this website, including book reviews, downloads, and links to related resources and programs.
Workshop feedback from educators
Hunter - your insight and skill at leading discussions is quite exceptional and you have the ability to draw people out. You also manage to balance the fine line between staying focused on the text and allowing a bit of diversion.
- Librarian, Seattle Public Library
I thought that the Socratic seminars were great! Kurt and Hunter were masterful in their choice of readings and moderating the discussions. I especially appreciated the modeling of various questioning strategies and techniques.
- Teacher, Rio Rancho School District, NM
Educator Workshops
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Introduction to Socratic Inquiry
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What, When, Where, Why, How, Who?
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Demo Discussions: Participate, Observe, Reflect​
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Programs: GBF, SJC, Touchstones, Harkness, etc.
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Socratic Questioning
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The Socratic Teacher's Mindset
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Modes of Inquiry & Types of Questions
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Questions of substance and method
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Demo & Practice
Socratic Seminar
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Planning with b/d/a
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Before: Mindset, Situation, Purpose, Method
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During: How to conduct and moderate seminar
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After: Ways to integrate & connect​
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Socratic Inquiry: Designing Units & Projects
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The Wonder Wheel
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Demo of a complete unit & project
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Example Units & Projects across the curriculum​
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Design Time
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Socratic Teacher's Mindset ​
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The mindset: essential yet counter-intuitive stance
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Application: Situation, Purpose, Method
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Demo & Practice
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Reflection, Q&A, Next Steps
Socratic Learning: The SPICE Routine
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Observe - Consider - Question
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SPICE / SPI routine and variations
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Demo & practice
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Connecting SPICE, Mindset, & Wonder Wheel
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If you are interested in setting up or attending a workshop, please contact me. All workshops can be customized to best suit your needs.
Let's talk. I would love to hear from you!