Seminar

The seminar is, generally, a form of academic instruction,  either at an academic institution or offered by a commercial or professional organization. 

A seminar may be defined as a gathering of people for the purpose of discussing a stated topic. Such gatherings are usually interactive sessions where the participants engage in discussions about the delineated topic. 

The sessions are usually headed or led by a moderator who serves to steer the discussion along the desired path.

The idea behind the seminar is to familiarize the concept to students more extensively and also to allow them to interact along various dimensions of the topic.

It is collective thinking on a selected topic.

In a classroom seminar, it's a discussion held by the pupils' study group under the guidance of the teacher.

Steps in conducting seminars.

• The teacher presents the topic through a formal talk.
• The important step towards planning an effective seminar is to determine what the purpose of the seminar will be.
• The teacher gives clear instructions in advance to the entire class.  
• The class decides to conduct a study on the selected relevant topic.
• A group is formed for conducting the study.
• The role of each member in the group is decided and the task is assigned.
• The teacher provides the necessary guidance for reference.
• A write up with due consideration to all components (objectives, scope, and significance, reasons, findings, remedies) is prepared.
• One member act as a moderator.
• Each member presents their paper within the allotted time judiciously. 
• An interactive session is allowed after the presentation where the audience can ask doubts regarding the topic.
• The presenter provides needy clarification.
• Separate papers are combined into a single seminar paper including the ideas generated during the interactive session.
• Analyze the outcome of the seminar, including the response of the attendees and their feedback in order to assess whether the aims of the seminar were met.

Advantage :

• Knowledge Sharing.
• Lessening of stage fear.
• confident in communication and presentation.
• skill in preparing notes.
• time management skills

Disadvantage :

• costly
• time-consuming
• steals routine works of the institution
• not applicable to all topics.

Role of the teacher:

• The teacher is a mentor who guides the students by providing a good learning atmosphere. The arrangements, communication of ideas, clarity of expression, style of language, subject competency and the participation of the pupils must be assessed. 

TYPES

1. Classroom Seminar
2. Department Seminar
3. National level Seminar
4. International  level Seminar