Select a topic or issue related to your course or area of interest. Ensure it’s

Select a topic or issue related to your course or area of interest. Ensure it’s a subject that allows for meaningful discussion and exploration. Use the bullet points in the Introduction above to prime the pump of inspiration: Do you need to do some problem-solving? Make a difficult decision? Help mediate a conflict? Do some reflective soul-searching? Just explore a puzzling topic?
*Step 2: Identify Key Questions
Develop a series of open-ended questions related to your chosen topic. These questions should provoke critical thinking and invite diverse viewpoints. They will serve as the foundation of your dialogue. An open-ended question is one that cannot be answered by a simple Yes, or No. Open-ended questions generally lead to more questions.
*Step 3: Define Characters
Create distinct characters or personas who will participate in the dialogue. Each character should have a unique perspective, background, and set of beliefs related to the topic. Like you did last week with your inner dialogue of Voice #1 and Voice #2, create two or more personas to participate in the dialogue or conversation.
*Step 4: Set the Scene
Establish the context in which the dialogue takes place. Describe the setting, the relationship between the characters, and any relevant background information. This helps readers understand the context of the discussion. This could be a real-life setting and a real situation where you obscure the identities of those involved for the sake of privacy.
*Step 5: Begin the Dialogue
Start the dialogue with one character posing an open-ended question related to the topic. Use this question as a catalyst for the discussion. Remember that Socratic dialogues are typically written in a conversational style.
*Step 6: Engage in Discussion
Inside the dialogue, be sure that your characters engage in the Socratic Method by doing the following:
a) show they have listened to each other by summarizing the prior speaker’s argument;
b) ask them to clarify or expand on any point that was confusing or just seems wrong or weak;
c) ask them to provide evidence and/or reasons for their viewpoint;
d) point out faulty assumptions, prejudices, or emotional biases you see in their statements, or just other interpretations of the evidence;
e) finally, get them to restate their position to see if they have deepened or shifted their perspective.
*Step 7: Show What You’ve Learned
Create tension and conflict within the dialogue to stimulate critical thinking. Characters may disagree, question each other’s ideas, and explore different perspectives. Aim for a satisfying resolution or conclusion that doesn’t necessarily provide all the answers but prompts further reflection. Conclude the dialogue by having the characters reflect on what they’ve discussed. They can acknowledge areas of agreement, express any lingering questions or uncertainties, or summarize the main points of the conversation.