How to Run a Math-Centered Socratic Seminar for Upper Elementary
- Janis Lodge
- Aug 25
- 3 min read
It’s all about the questions. At the heart of every Socratic Seminar is one thing: the questions. Socratic Seminars, based on the methods of the ancient philosopher Socrates, are structured discussions where students explore open-ended questions through dialogue rather than lectures. Most of the time, these are run with a piece of fiction or non-fiction text, but they can also be a very effective tool in math!
By starting with a math word problem instead of a text, students combine reading comprehension, problem-solving, and reasoning skills while engaging in mathematical discourse with their peers. A Math-Centered Socratic Seminar turns problem solving into collaborative sense-making, giving students the chance to explain their reasoning, consider alternative approaches, and practice the art of asking better questions.
Why it Works:
Math Socratic Seminars are powerful because they shift the focus from simply “getting the right answer” to exploring the process of mathematical thinking.
Here’s why they work so well in upper elementary classrooms:
Promotes critical thinking: Students evaluate multiple strategies and weigh pros and cons.
Encourages math talk: Students learn to justify their reasoning with evidence, numbers, and models.
Builds collaboration: Everyone’s perspective is valued, even when solutions differ.
Strengthens problem-solving: Open-ended scenarios highlight that there can be more than one valid approach.
Connects math to real life: Word problems like planning a garden or organizing a pizza party feel meaningful and engaging.
How it Works:
Read & Annotate Students read the math problem carefully, highlighting important information, circling numbers, and jotting down initial thoughts. Word problems with multiple possible solutions or trade-offs work best. Try starting with the Pizza Party Planning scenario.
Sketch & Solve Students do a rough sketch, chart, or equation to test out possible solutions. Encourage quick models rather than perfect math work—this is about sharing ideas, not polished answers.
Write Discussion Questions Each student generates 2–3 questions to bring to the seminar. These might be clarifying questions (“Would it make sense to…?”) or exploratory questions (“What if we changed the number of guests?”).
Prepare for Discussion
Short Version: Use this as a 15–20 minute warm-up or early finisher activity.
Longer Version: Stretch it over one or two days. Give time for brainstorming, creating models, and preparing deeper questions.
Run the Seminar Students engage in structured discussion, following agreed-upon norms. The teacher facilitates only as needed, keeping the focus on student-led dialogue.
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The Teacher's Role
Think of yourself less as a lecturer and more as a coach and facilitator. Here are practical tips:
Use a timer. Keep prep, discussion, and reflection balanced.
Print extra sketch/notes pages. Students often revise or try multiple solution paths.
Plan seating. Use “pilots” (inner circle discussants) and “co-pilots” (outer circle listeners/note-takers). Rotate roles each time.
Model math talk. Teach stems like:
“I noticed that…”
“I solved it a different way…”
“Can you explain why…?”
Set norms. Require evidence for claims, encourage respectful listening, and value follow-up questions.
Celebrate evidence-sharing. Project student models with a doc camera, or use chart paper/whiteboards.
Warm up with a quick math question. Something low-stakes helps build confidence before the main discussion.
Close with reflection. Give 3–5 minutes for written takeaways:
What did I learn from my peers?
How did my thinking change?
What new questions do I have?
Most importantly—celebrate multiple paths to the answer. In math, the journey is often just as valuable as the solution.
Try this in your classroom!
Math Socratic Seminars can completely transform the way students see problem solving. Instead of racing to the “right” answer, students slow down, analyze, question, and build on each other’s ideas. Over time, this practice not only deepens mathematical understanding but also builds communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.
Try one in your classroom—you might be surprised at how excited your students get about math discussions!
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