Socratic Circle Reflection

Instructions
After each of our Socratic circle, you will be responsible for turning in a one-to-two page, single-
spaced, typed reflection on the experience. This reflection will be comprised of three sections: (1)
summary of what was shared during the discussion, (2) reflection on performance, and (3) reflection on
content. The information below will help you understand what content needs to be placed in each of
the sections.
At the end of the semester, these reflections will be compiled into your digital portfolio and
used as evidence to document your growth through Socratic circles. This portfolio will affect your final
grade in this class. Not having each of the reflections on our circles will result in a lower grade.
Also, because your final Socratic circle portfolio will ask you to show growth over time, it is in
your best interest to make sure that you date each and every one of your Socratic circle reflections and
identify the title of the text that served as the basis of discussion.

(1) Summary of the Discussion

Write a summary of what your inner circle discussed. Share the title and author of the text under
discussion and what the big opinions during the discussion were.

(2) Reflection on Performance

Answer the following questions:
 What were the TWO most original arguments or opinions that were shared during the
discussion? Why do you think these were insightful thoughts?
 What was the most original piece of evidence from the book that was used to support an
opinion during the discussion? Why do you think this?

(3) Reflection on Content

This final section will comprise three items:
(1) a thesis statement for an “imaginary” essay you might write about the meaning and
importance of the ideas expressed in the selection of text (for this reflection, it could be on a
question that was NOT discussed or it could be a thesis statement from your own imagination
rather than the prompt questions)
(2) a paragraph in which you describe (in general terms) the main points you might make in that
“imaginary” essay, and
(3) a paragraph in which you make connections between the content of this selection of text and
some element of your own experience. You might consider connecting this text to the following:
past learning in this class or other English classes, learning that has occurred in other classes,
personal experiences from your life outside of school, experiences of friends and family
members with which you are familiar, current events, movies, literature, music, art, etc. Like the
previous sections, this last paragraph has no right or wrong answers, only well-expressed
opinions.
Checklist
Before turning in a reflection, use the following checklist to ensure you have included all the necessary
requirements to receive full credit:

______ One-to-two pages, single-spaced, 12-point font, typed

______ MLA Header: Your name, the teacher’s name, the course title and block, and the due date of this
reflection
______ Centered Title: Socratic Circle Reflection on [the subject of this particular Socratic circle]
______ One paragraph reflection on the performance of your group
______ One paragraph reflecting on your individual performance
______ A thesis statement for an “imaginary” essay on this text
______ One paragraph explaining the main points of that “imaginary” essay
______ One paragraph explaining the connections you made between the text and your own life
Emily Granberg
Storer
English 3H Block 1
19 February 2020

Socratic Seminar on “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald

During this discussion we talked about the two main points of if Jay Gatsby actually
loved Daisy and about the difference between money and social status. During both of these
points there was a clear view that mostly everyone agreed upon. Mostly everyone in my group
was part of the discussion, although I did not speak.
I think as a group we were quite prepared, since we did have examples of the time in a
text, but one thing we could of done better was having more direct quotes. I think the group
conversation during the inner circle was not deep and it was just constant agreement, but there
were times when one member would try and change how the it was going, like when John talked
about how Jay Gatsby did not truly love Daisy, just the idea and the end goal of being with her. I
think as a group were worked well together, since we allowed everyone a chance to speak, and
then we added onto each other’s ideas.
During the Socratic Seminar I did not speak at all. I did have my prepared answers, but I
never said anything because it would be too repetitive of what everyone else was saying. Even
though my ideas were not original and I could have stated that I agreed with them, but I did not
have specific quotes to back up my ideas.
I did follow along with the discussion and I found that the points made were very
enlightening. I personally liked the quote from page 149, this was used to back up the point that
Gatsby did not truly love Daisy. This quote talked about how Gatsby just wanted to get what
others could not have and that was a relationship with Daisy, who was known as the Golden Girl
by those around her.
If I were to write a paper on this text I would specifically write about how Jay Gatsby
does not truly love Daisy, he loves the idea of being with her. My thesis for this would be: Jay
Gatsby may have felt a little bit of love towards Daisy, although it was not for her as a person,
but it was for the idea of being able to be with her finally.
During this essay I would give the points that I would use would vary from times in their
past memories to times in the book. I would us e the idea that when Gatsby did not have enough
money Daisy did not want to be with him. When Gatsby finally gained enough money he wanted
to achieve the goal of being with Daisy. Gatsby purely wanted to be with Daisy to achieve a goal
he carried with him in the past. I would also use the points that Gatsby seems to dwell on the past
Daisy and does not accept her as she changed over time. Another point that I could use would be
how Gatsby forces Daisy to tell Tom that she does not love him anymore. If Gatsby had truly
loved her he would have let her be with her husband instead of uprooting her whole life.