Inner Circle as "product," Outer Circle as "process"

           Consider the outer circle as an equal dance partner to the inner circle. Valid outer circle feedback nurtures and develops student inner circle conversations over time. Giving and receiving timely, specific and effective feedback becomes a natural ability for students preparing for the eventual workplace and maintaining productive relationships withstanding the test of time. Kids need to recognize the essential nature of the outer circle role.

            The inner circle focuses on “product,” the outer circle on “process.” Over time, it is the feedback of the outer circle (“process”) that drives the skills of conversation forward and helps to ensure that the content of each inner circle conversation (the “product”) characterizes high quality. Our ultimate goal goes beyond just facilitating high quality learning about a specific text or specific content. Our ultimate goal is to instill these conversation skills as “habits” that students draw upon the rest of their lives.

            Which is more important in writing, requiring students to follow a writing process or requiring that students produce high quality pieces of writing? Apply the same line of thinking to Socratic Circles. Which is more important, the outer circle that focuses on process or the inner circle that focuses on product? The process leads to better products over time.  

            Stay tuned when the next tip exemplifies an outer circle debriefing through illustration.