SEMINAR METHOD.docx

7/25/2019 SEMINAR METHOD.docx

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SEMINAR METHOD

DEFINITION-

Seminars are simply a group of people coming together for the discussion and learning of

specific techniques and topics. Usually there are several keynote speakers within each

seminar, and these speakers are experts in their own fields or topic.

CLASSIFICATION-

Mini Seminar Class Room evel

Main Seminar !ept " #nstitutional evel

$ational Seminar $ational evel

#nternational Seminar #nternational evel Class Room Seminar

!epartmental Seminar

$ational Seminar

#nternational Seminar

SEMINAR AS A METHOD OF TEACHING-Seminar is a form of a class organi%ation that

utili%es a scientific approach for the analysis of a pro&lem chosen for discussion.

' #t is a discussion method of teaching where an informal group of ()*(+ not more than -+

learners participate to solve pro&lems in a scientific approach and analysis.

' #t is an organi%ed, guided discussion with a focus on the discovery of new relationship &y

the participating individuals.

' #t differs from intellectual initiative./he student plays an active role in seminar.

' /he o&0ective of the seminar is to give students opportunity to participate in methods of

scientific analysis and research procedures.

' Students are expected to do considera&le li&rary search prior to the seminar.

' 1 seminar group is mainly concerned with academic matters rather than individual students

and commonly involves the reading of an essay or paper &y one group mem&er followed &y a

discussion &y the total group on the topic.

' /he role of a teacher is to help students to select, formulate and resolve the most significant

pro&lems and suggest the availa&le sources of information. ' 1s the seminar progresses, the

students assume greater responsi&ility for addressing the pro&lems and conducting discussion.


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CHARATERISTICS-

' /eacher is the leader.

' /he group generally consists of () to (+ participants.

' 1n ideal seminar lasts for (*- hrs.

' /he topic is initially presented &y the presenter followed &y group discussion.

' /he leader should keep the discussion within limits so the focus of discussion can &e

mentioned.

' care should &e taken to avoid stereotypes.

' #n student seminars, students present their data in an informal way under the leadership of

the teacher, followed &y a teacher monitored discussion.

' 1ll mem&ers take part in discussion in an informal &ut orderly manner.

' /he chairman should &e skilled in encouraging the timid participants. ' 1 student secretary

may record the pro&lems that come up and the solutions given to them.

ORGANIZING A SEMINAR*

' (. !efine the purpose of the seminar.

' Relate the topic of seminar and discussion to the main concept or the o&0ectives to &e

attained.

' !irect and focus on the discussion topic.

' 2elp students to express their ideas and keep the discussion at a high level of interest so that

the students listen attentively to those who contri&ute the ideas.

' 3lan comments and questions that relate to the su&0ect and also guide and direct the

discussion

' Set time limitations for each person4s contri&ution.

' 5uard against monopoly of the discussion &y any mem&er of the seminar. ' 3lan for

summary at intervals during the discussion and also at the end of the discussion and relate the

ideas expressed to the purpose of discussion.


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' 2ave the discussion recorded &y a student as a recording secretary or &y tape recording. '

3lan for teacher and student self evaluation of the progress made towards the immediate

o&0ectives.

ROLE OF A TEACHER*

' Select the topic.5ive reasona&le time for preparation. ' Remain in the &ackground in the

seminar, &ut sit where the whole group can &e seen.

' 3repare to help out in the initial stages of using this method in case of long silence. ' 6e sure

that essential points are not overlooked and that gross inadequacies are corrected prefera&ly

&y the other mem&ers of the class.

' Make sure that all mem&ers have a share in the discussion and that irrelevant discussion is

avoided.

ADVANTAGES*

' Student plays an active role7 it pre supposes that the student has &ackgroung knowledge. ' 1

properly conducted seminar has potentials to teach students the method of scientific analysis

and technique or research.

' #ndividual student and the group as a whole try to solve the pro&lem. ' 8xchange of facts

and efforts to crystali%e group opinion is a clear advantage in seminar method.

' /he pro&lem solving skills of the students are sharpned &y participation. ' /he students

develop voca&ulary, articulation, pro&lem solving and critical thinking skills as they

participate in the seminar.

' 1 seminar helps in self learning and promotes independent thinking. ' 1&ility to see ownpro&lems is increased &ecause of personal difficulties can &e compared with those of the

group.

' Skilfully directed seminar promotes group spirit and co* operativeness.

DISADVANTAGES-

' Seminar is a time consuming process.

' #t cannot &e applied to new students.

' /imid students may initially feel nervous.

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SEMINAR METHOD.docx