Shakespeare Unit Socratic Seminar Macbeth 1

Socratic Seminar Macbeth 1

Date: __
____
Alignment with State Standards
RI Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in different media or
formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words in order to address a question or
solve a problem.
RI- Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences
from it; and cite specific evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn
from the text.
W9- Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and
research.
Objective:
Students will be able to:
Respond verbally to open-ended questions
Exhibit and hone active listening skills
Think critically about the motivations of Characters and elements of the plot from Macbeth
Materials:
Teacher
o Writing Pad
o Pen
o Macbeth Film
Student
o 3 to 5 questions per student
o 1 Question packet per student
o 1 Writing utensil per student
Background Information:
Students will have previously studied the Macbeth plot and viewed about 20 minutes of
the film.
Anticipatory Set:
Allow students five minutes to finish writing their questions.
Review the portion of the film previously watched.
Exploration:
1. Check to make sure all students have 3 to 5 questions
a. If not, they may still participate in the discussion but they cannot earn any points for
the Seminar.
2. Have the students move their desks into a circle
3. Ask for a volunteer to start by asking a question.
a. The Seminar will continue for about 20 minutes or until everyone has spoken
thoughtfully at least three times.
b. If discussion stalls, I will ask the following questions:
i. What do you think of the witches so far, why?
ii. Was the way the actor portrayed Macbeth the way you thought of him in
your mind, why or why not?

Shakespeare Unit Socratic Seminar Macbeth 1

iii. Do you think that getting the Thane of Cawdor title has anything to do with
Macbeths downfall?
iv. Has anyone died yet in the play, who?
4. After the Seminar, the students will commence watching the Macbeth film and answering
their questions in their packets.
Closure:
1. I will stop the film about three minutes before the end of class to review what we have
watched and to go over any questions the class may have missed on their packets.
Evaluation:
The evaluation for this lesson will happen through teacher observation to see if the students are
able to:
Respond verbally to open-ended questions
Exhibit and hone active listening skills
Think critically about the motivations of Characters and elements of the plot from
Macbeth

Differentiation:
To modify this lesson and assignment, it would be possible to do any or all of the following:
Have a Paraprofessional available to assist with specific needs a student may have.
Adapt the lesson into a writing assignment rather than a verbal assignment.