SOCRATIC DISCUSSION PRACTICUM
Leading Conversations That Transform
August 4-6, 2022
The Ambrose School
Meridian, Idaho
Leading conversations that transform our students takes wisdom, charity, and practice. At The Ambrose School Socratic Discussion Practicum, teachers and administrators take the role of the student. We enter into conversation with one another and with great texts, in submission to Scripture and the Holy Spirit, to better practice the craft of Socratic discussion.
- Learn the distinctives and grow in the habits of good discussion.
- Practice leading and assessing discussion.
- Partner with experienced discussion leaders from across the country.
- Create plans to improve discussions across the grammar, logic, and rhetoric phases.
This retreat is recommended for upper school teachers of all subjects, particularly those teaching humanities courses; for those who teach higher grammar grades (particularly 5th and 6th); and for school administrators.
Summer 2022 Schedule
(Subject to change)
Readings will be announced in mid-June
Day 1: Foundations of Discussion
8:30-10:15 Introductions and Opening Discussion
10:30-12 Building Blocks of a Good Discussion
12-1 Lunch
1-2:30 Preparing to Lead Discussion
2:45–4:45 Assessing Discussions
6-8 Dinner
Day 2: Practicing Discussion
8:30-9 Discussion co-leaders meet
9-10:15 Discussion Practicum and Evaluation 1
10:45-12 Discussion Practicum and Evaluation 2
12-1 Lunch
1-2:15 Discussion Practicum and Evaluation 3
2:45-4 Discussion Practicum and Evaluation 4
6-8 Dinner
Day 3: Workshop: Strategic Planning for Discussion at Your School
8:30-9:30 Culture Change: How to develop a culture of rich discussion at your school
9:30-11 Workshop: Individuals or teams of attendees develop plans for improving
discussion at their schools
The Socratic Discussion Practicum is running concurrently with the House Program Seminar (House Program Seminar is two days, August 4-5, 2022). Schools could consider sending two representatives to attend both events.
Socratic Discussion Practicum Registration
$225 registration fee
Our registration fee includes two catered lunches and dinners. An essential part of our practicum is fellowshipping together during meals. The opportunities to learn from one another during these informal times are often just as important as the formal training of the practicum.
Lodging Information
The following hotels are within a short distance of The Ambrose School. There are also many affordable homes and apartments available for rent through Airbnb in the neighborhoods around the school.
- The Hilton Garden Inn (3 miles from The Ambrose School)
- Homewood Suites by Hilton (3.25 miles from The Ambrose School)
- SpringHill Suites Boise (2 miles from The Ambrose School)
