Seminar Skills PracticeIstanbul Bilgi UniversityELT 145Presented by C.M. Herrington, MAA, MAT

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Task 1: Initial preparation for the seminar

In groups of 3. Select a topic for your seminar discussion

Choose a controversial subject. It needs to be one

that is of interest to the others in our class and one

they will be able to discuss. For ideas on

seminar topic, see right.

Possible Seminar Topics• Free education is an impractical dream• People should not be allowed to …• Globalization is only a threat to a small

minority of individual cultures.• Sport should play a far greater role in

school curricula.• The advance of information technology is

creating a less sociable society.• Women should play the same role as men

in the armed forces/ politics' /business.• Banning smoking in public places/schools

infringes on human rights. • Or choose one of your own.. Some ideas

are on Bilgi online.

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Prepare an overview of the topic

This should be a summary of the main issues, as well as a list of discussion points for the group to consider.

Alternatively, you might like to present points on both sides of the issue before opening it up to discussion by all the participants. 3

In groups (3), discuss the following advice for the seminar leader. Can you think of any further points to add?

• You will have 20 minutes for the seminar, including: presenting the topic (max. four minutes), previewing the vocabulary, activities, discussion, summing up the discussion at the end.

• Ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the discussion.

• In order to keep the discussion going if there is silence, you will need to : build on what has been said before, ask a question, or invite a specific person to contribute. 4

What does “engagement” mean?

• Engagement means, first, careful preparation of the reading. Students are strongly encouraged to come to class with their notes from reading (and, needless to say, the readings themselves) so they can refer to them during discussion.

• Just as importantly, engagement means being willing to speak (to ask questions, to say what you think, to say what confused you, to say what you found convincing or unbelievable etc.), to question your perspectives, to receive fair criticism of your utterances (which are always subject to revision or clarification or reiteration).

• Finally, engagement means being willing to hear the perspectives of your classmates and to question them; it means listening to the comments and presentations of your peers with open ears: ears that are attentive and critical. 5

Task 2 : Expectations

Discuss the characteristics of a

good seminar participant.

You can refer to Unit 2 if you need to refresh

your memory.

• See page 126 Appendix 9F.

• This is what your will use to give seminar leaders feedback.

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Task 3: Presentation Skills

Discuss the following presentation skills you have worked on during

this course .

• Planning a presentation• Selecting and

organizing your ideas• Introducing your

topic• Delivering a

presentation clearly• Using visual aids

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Task 4: Leading the SeminarThis will take place at a time

to be arranged by your teacher. The allocated

seminar leader(s) will run the seminar and the rest of the class will participate.

Learning Diary-youtube channel

After you have led a seminar, reflect on the experience in your diary.• How did you feel

immediately afterwards?• What aspects did you feel

satisfied with?• What aspects of managing

a seminar do you feel you still need to work on? 8