A Dialogic Path to Literary Mastery: Implementing Socratic Seminar in University-Level Literature Classes

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63236/injeep.1.1.1

Keywords:

critical thinking, literary analysis, qualitative research, Socratic Seminar, university education

Abstract

The Socratic seminar has emerged as an effective pedagogical approach for enhancing critical engagement in university-level literature classes. Rooted in dialogic interaction, this method fosters analytical reasoning, interpretative depth, and collaborative inquiry. This study explores the implementation of the Socratic seminar in literature courses, examining its impact on students’ textual comprehension and critical thinking skills. Employing a qualitative research design, data were collected through classroom observations, reflective journals, and semi-structured interviews with students and lecturers. Findings indicate that structured dialogue facilitates deeper engagement with literary texts, enabling students to construct nuanced interpretations and articulate reasoned arguments. Furthermore, the seminar format encourages active participation and a sense of intellectual community, reinforcing literary appreciation and academic discourse. However, challenges such as uneven participation and the need for preparatory guidance highlight areas for refinement in instructional practices. These findings contribute to the discourse on innovative literature pedagogy, advocating for a more interactive and student-centered approach to literary studies. Future research could explore interdisciplinary applications of the Socratic seminar to further enhance its pedagogical value.

 

Saksono, S. T., Hanifa, S, Inayati, R., Harits, I. W., Suryani, S., Roifah, M., & Puspitasi, D. (2025). A dialogic path to literary mastery: Implementing Socratic seminar in university-level literature classes. International Journal of Education and Emerging Practices, 1(1), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.63236/injeep.1.1.1

 

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Published

30-04-2025

Data Availability Statement

The data used in this study are not publicly available due to institutional policies but can be obtained from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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Articles