Food, Inc. Discussion Guide - TakePart

in exploring their own thinking on complex issues. Following are suggestions forfacilitating successful Socratic discussions on the film topics:S e t t i n g t h e S ta g e1 After showing the Food, Inc. chapter(s), explain any unfamiliar concepts orvocabulary presented in the film that would enhance the discussion.2 If possible, have the class sit in a circle in chairs or on the floor so that allparticipants can have eye contact.3 If you have more than 15 students, consider splitting the group in two, withhalf the students sitting in an inner circle and the other half in an outer circle.With this two-circle format, the inner circle takes part in the discussion, whilethe outer circle participates by writing journal responses to the discussion orcoaching a partner in the inner circle. Students may change places halfwaythrough the discussion.4 Explain the purpose and structure of the discussion.5 Introduce or review guidelines for participation (see page 19 for sampleguidelines).O p e n i n g t h e D i s c u s s i o n1 Initiate the discussion by asking students the “Focus Question” and allowingplenty of time for them to think and then respond freely to the question.2 Make clear to students that you are not looking for a particular answer tothe question, and that, in fact, there is no right or wrong answer. (To thatend, avoid giving verbal or nonverbal affirmation or disapproval of students’responses.)3 Keep in mind that your role is to ask questions, to accept student responses,to paraphrase or restate ideas based on students’ responses, to guide students1 7F o o d , I n c . D I S C U S S I O N G U I D E© P a r t i c i p a n t M e d i a