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My students are creative and unique, and when they are given a voice, they use it. We sometimes use Socratic seminars to respond to literature or the news of the day. Students read articles and then speak on what they've learned in the seminar. My students are encouraged to speak responsibly to any topic, listen with the greatest respect for diverse points of view, and facilitate consensus among their peers. As an instructional technology coach, I get the opportunity to work with all the grade levels of students and teachers. I team teach with them, and in many of the classes, we employ the use of Socratic discussion in class for a number of reasons. For me, it is a formative assessment -- a method of checking understanding on any given text or other matter. It establishes a culture of respect and accountability. But from the students' point of view, it is a golden opportunity to be heard, to learn from others, to review difficult material, to share work and field various positions or opinions. With up to 27 students sitting in a circle during Socratic discussion, the Qball would ensure that even the softest speaking students in class are able to share.
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