Set up the classroom in a semicircle so that students are visible to one another. The semicircle creates a more democratic classroom environment that puts each student on equal footing.
Select a topic and make a reading assignment prior to the class meeting. Provide tips, advice and suggestions to the students about how to approach the topic and reading assignment. Suggest that they read the assignment twice, once for a general overview, and a second time paying careful attention to the specific details. Tell the students to outline and make notes for the reading and to bring a list of questions for discussion to the class.
Introduce and provide a context for the discussion. In Plato's dialogues, Socrates always begins the dialogue by placing the topic in a specific context and by providing an initial definition or solution to the problem under discussion. In addition to providing the context for the discussion, clarify the goals and guidelines for the seminar. For example, tell the students not to interrupt when someone is speaking and to treat each other's point of view with respect. Avoid saying things such as "that's stupid" or "you don't know what you are talking about." Encourage the students to make eye contact with the person they are speaking or responding to. Discuss the importance of maintaining an open mind and avoiding dogmatic positions. A genuine dialogue, in the Socratic sense, depends upon a willingness to acknowledge the truth when confronted with the flaws, weaknesses, or one-sided character of your position.
Facilitate the discussion. Maintain a watchful eye, but allow the students to lead and engage in the discussion themselves. If the discussion gets off track or wanders into an unimportant area, intervene and direct the students back to the theme and topic. Invite each student to participate but don't force them to say something.
Summarize the primary points of discussion at the end of the seminar. Ask the students to contribute their own input and insights about what they have learned about the topic and about the nature of Socratic dialogue and discussion.