HANDOUTS

SEMINAR
DEFINITION
A seminar is an instructional techniques involves generating a situation for a group to have guided
interaction among themselves on different aspects or components of a topic, which is generally
presented by one or more members.
OBJECTIVES OF SEMINAR
COGNITIVE OBJECTIVES:
i) To develop higher cognitive abilities.
ii) To develop the ability of keen observation of experience, feelings and
iii) To develop the ability to seek clarification and defend the ideas of others effectively.
AFFECTIVE OBJECTIVES;
i)To develop the feeling of tolerance to the opposite ideas of others.
ii) To develop the feelings of co-operation with other colleagues and respect of the ideas and
feelings of others.
iii) To develop the emotional ability among the participants of the seminar.
iv) To acquire the good manners of putting questions and answering the questions of others
effectively.

PRINCIPLES INVOLVED IN SEMINAR

Basic Principles to be included in the seminar:
1. Seminar method depends with the lingual, social and emotional instances and its maturity level.
2. The complex and undefined concept or article must be read and discussed for the meaningful learning
experiences and new concept.
3. Group discussion is emphasized. The kernel of seminar is stressed.
4. In the lower level of learning experiences the concepts are explanatory but in this higher level of
learning experience the theme or concept centered and need more evidences and
explanations through the discussion.

5. The interactions in this method develop observation and questioning skills, evaluation skills using their
own learning experience.
6.Group should be 10-15 students, duration should be 1-2 hours.

TYPES OF SEMINAR
On the basis of levels of organization the levels are of four types:
1.Mini seminar
2.Main Seminar
3.National seminar
4.International seminar

1.MINI SEMINAR:
Its coverage and scope are small and simple. A small population is enough to hold this seminar. A
discussions held in an organized way within a class room, it is called mini seminar.
2.MAIN SEMINAR
The seminar conducted at an institutional or departmental level for a specific topic or subject is
known as Major seminar. Usually students and teachers are participating in this type of seminar. This
major seminar can be organized at department level for every month. A specific topic or subject is
selected for the theme of the seminar
3.NATIONAL SEMINAR
An association of any kind particularly with academic or professional interest or an organization
(Government, Firm, etc.,) conducts the seminar at National level is called National seminar. The subject
experts are invited to the seminar for discussion. The Secretary of the seminar
prepares the schedule and functionaries for seminar
4.INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR
Usually the seminar conducted by an international organization or agency is known as International
seminar. Theme of this seminar has wider aspects. Globalization, Renovation, Atomic energy agreements,
Policies implementation and modification etc., are examples for themes of International seminars. A
Nation or its body can conduct or organize the international seminar.

SEMINAR COMMITTEE:
1.ORGANIZERS
Decides the topic of seminar.
Topics should be based on the current trends .
Objectives of the topics are formulated.
Organizers search for a suitable chairperson.
In consultation with the chairperson, the objectives are modified and they select the speakers.
2.CHAIRPERSON
The role of chairperson is to possess indepth knowledge regarding the topic, and guide the
seminar in a fruitful manner.
Seminar begins with an introductory speech by chairperson.
After introductory speech,the chairperson invites speakers according to the order.
When one speaker completes his speech, he gives a brief summary of it and invites the next
speaker.
Once all the speaker completes their presentations chairperson opens the discussion session by
inviting participants to come out with their doubts, clarifications and contributions.
3.SPEAKERS:
Success of the seminar is largely determined by the performance of the speakers.
Speakers have to prepare and handover the study materials in the organizers in advance so that
organizers can compile all study materials in a user friendly way.
Study materials is given to the participants 1 or 2 hours before the seminar.
Speakers are expected to present the relevant information in an interesting manner with the help
of suitable AV aids.
4.PARTICIPANTS:
Participants have to prepare themselves well in advance and read the study materials issued by
the organizers before the seminar.
They have to utilized the discussion session by asking questions,seeking clarifications and
expressing their viewpoints.

ADVANTAGES OF SEMINAR METHODS

1. This seminar method gives good motivation and learning experience.
2. Help to evaluate the learn-ability of learners.
3.Regulate the creating and organizing of facts and information
4. Develop the self reliance and self confidence.

5. Also inculcates the responsibility and cooperative nature.

6. This method is the best for socialization.

LIMITATIONS OF SEMINAR METHODS

1. The chance that speaker must be sharing incorrect knowledge.
2. Time consuming, the time spent away from actual business to attend.
3. The chance that attendees will expect too much from a seminar and thus be disappointed.
4. Arranging and Preparation for seminar takes a lot of hard work.
5. It cannot be used in all levels of education. It can be used only on higher levels of education.
6. A seminar cannot be organized on all content of a subject manner. Some topics are highly structured.