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As you first introduce Socratic Seminars, it is important to clearly communicate your expectations for the participants.  Paul Raider offers the following responsibilities for seminar participants:

1. Refer to the text when needed during the discussion.  A seminar is not a test of memory.  You are not "learning a subject"; your goal is to understand the ideas, issues, and values reflected in the text.

2. It's okay to "pass" when asked to contribute.

3. Do not participate if you are not prepared.  A seminar should not be a bull session.

4. Do not stay confused; ask for clarification.

5. Talk to the participants, not just the leader.

6. Stick to the point currently under discussion; make notes about ideas you want to come back to.

7. Don't raise hands; take turns speaking.

8. Listen carefully and respectfully.

9. Speak up so that everyone can hear you.

10. Talk to each other, not just to the teacher or the leader.

11. Discuss the ideas rather than each other's opinions.

12. You are responsible for the seminar, even if you don't know it or admit it.

 With reinforcement and occasional reminders, these responsibilities should be internalized by students fairly quickly.  They are not meant to be strict rules, but guidelines for a productive seminar dialogue.  Teachers may find it helpful to have students add to or further refine this list of responsibilities.