SEMINARS:

What’s the difference between a seminar and a tutorial?

Well in some universities nothing!  But certainly both differ in many ways from a lecture. Typically on maths and science courses a tutorial often consists of students working through practice examples (possible past exam papers) with the tutors being there to help them.  For other subjects, tutorials are the opportunity to follow up ideas and concepts with further discussion or examples, case studies etc. Usually for these sessions, the lecturer will give work in advance.

Seminars are similar in nature, except that students (or groups of students) will be given the responsibility for preparing, presenting and then leading the subsequent discussions with fellow students who attend the same seminar group.

It perhaps goes without saying that the seminar groups will have to undertake the work before they attend the seminar, but an additional point to note is that tutorials and seminar sessions are parts of the course where the lecturers and tutors 'get to know' the students.  This means that good students and bad or absent students get noticed.  It is therefore in your interest to take an active part in seminars both as a seminar member and, when your time comes, as a presenter.

Speaking as part of the group

Suggestions to guide you are:

• If you are the sort of person who likes to talk, make sure you give others a chance to contribute.

Generally though, most people are a little shy at speaking so try these:

• Try to say something at least once during the seminar, even if it is only to agree with others. – You will only overcome shyness by working at it a little at a time.
  
  
• Get to know the other members of the seminar group. – Then you will not feel so shy. – Perhaps they can be your 'study buddies'.
  
  
• If possible, sit next to your study buddy or at least someone you know.
  
  
• Write down what you want to say and speak it slowly and clearly.  If it comes out garbled at first, say, "Let me make that clearer".
  
  
• If you can, think of an example to support your argument, but keep it short. When you have made the point – stop!
  
  
• Speak so that all in the group can hear.

Presenting

Suggestions to guide you are:

• Come prepared to make a contribution, presentation etc.
  
  
• Argue the case as well as you can, making reference to literature you have read.
  
  
• Offer different viewpoints.
  
  
• Ask relevant questions.
  
  
• Ensure you involve all of the group in any discussion by encouraging them.  For example you may say, "That was an interesting point <name> said, anyone suggest any examples?" "<Name>, which of these two alternatives makes the most sense today?"
  
  
• Contribute to the subsequent discussion but don't dominate it.
  
  
• Listen to others in the group, wait for them to finish their point and do not interrupt them.
  
  
• Sum up for the group.