Socratic Seminar Reflection

The socratic seminar was sadly something I didn't get to participate in as much as I'd liked to have, but for the duration of the one day I was present, I observed others' discussions, made a few comments and came to the conclusion that the assignment was probably the best school assignment, and by far the best english assignment, I have ever witnessed. I mean this in that the dicussion allowed not only for a student to think deeply about the things that truly matter most, the big picture, but it also granted each student the opportunity to dig deeper, search for the biggest, the deepest meaning, and to do that by interacting with other students.

As we discussed at the start of the year, substantive conversations, when increased, can increase happiness. This may be simply because of the satisfied feeling one has after a deep talk about humanity, and the satisfaction is there because one feels they have gained perhaps a clearer outlook. Also, one has shared their views and in doing so have revealed a deeper part of themselves, and feedback produces a feeling of being understood and accepted. So not only did the conversations educate, but they also enhanced mental states.

And regarding the education, discussions like these open minds to more education; they open minds to more deeper meanings in things not typically picked up on. Of course, this is the ultimate goal; to be able to see more in less.

I only wish more education could be done in this manner in which interaction has the ability to open minds, make them more knowledgeable on the big picture of life and at the same time help them feel more satisfied.