Socratic Seminars

A Socratic seminar is an innovative educational strategy rooted in the practices of Socrates, emphasizing dialogue and inquiry as tools for learning. In this method, students engage in structured, open-ended discussions centered around a specific text, topic, or question. The goal is to promote critical thinking, active listening, and deep understanding by encouraging participants to articulate their ideas, respond thoughtfully to others, and build on each other's contributions. The teacher typically acts as a facilitator, guiding the discussion without dominating it, to ensure that the conversation remains focused and inclusive. This approach fosters a collaborative learning environment where students learn to question assumptions, consider diverse perspectives, and refine their arguments.

SDG16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Goal 16 is about promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. People everywhere should be free of fear from all forms of violence and feel safe as they go about their lives whatever their ethnicity, faith or sexual orientation.

However, ongoing and new violent conflicts around the world are derailing the global path to peace and achievement of Goal 16. Alarmingly, the year 2022 witnessed a more than 50 per cent increase in conflict-related civilian deaths – the first since the adoption of Agenda 2030 – largely due to the war in Ukraine.