A Socratic seminar is a formal, student-led discussion based on a shared text, designed to promote deep understanding, critical thinking, and collaborative dialogue over debate. Students sit in a circle, ask open-ended questions, and use textual evidence to explore complex ideas, often with the teacher acting only as an observer
 
Through the Socratic seminar St. Peter Students focus us:

• Preparation: Students read and analyze a text (e.g., literature, art, or articles) beforehand to prepare evidence-based insights.
• Structure: Typically, an "inner circle" holds the discussion while an "outer circle" observes, takes notes, and provides feedback, with groups often switching roles.
• Dialogue vs. Debate: The focus is on collaborative, respectful inquiry and sharing multiple perspectives, not winning an argument.
• Student Ownership: Students lead the conversation, referring directly to the text and building on each other's ideas.
• Rules: Participants often set a classroom contract that includes active listening, not interrupting, and referring to evidence. 

This method, rooted in the teachings of Socrates, helps improve skills such as active listening, critical questioning, and empathy.