Study Skills 8
Getting the most out of seminars
Preparing
• Carry out set tasks & think about what will be
probably be key questions
• But also be prepared to think on your feet
during the seminar
• Bring notes to the seminar
• Bring illustrative materials – texts, pictures
Participating
• Have confidence in voicing your views – being able to
express yourself in public is a key skill you will need
whatever job you end up in. Most people will feel
nervous the first time at least!
• If you sound confident, you will probably feel more
confident too
• Be conscious of others in your group: listening is just as
important as speaking
• Be respectful of other students – engage with what
they say in a positive way
• In making presentations, you are representing your
group, so don’t feel that the pressure is on your
shoulders alone. You should all work together to create
a short presentation that has an introduction, middle,
and conclusion
Consolidation
• Review seminar discussion afterwards,
preferably over a drink with friends
• Dip into one or two extra items of
bibliography, based on what has interested
you during the seminar
• Be prepared for seminar materials to turn up
on the exam paper
Looking ahead to seminar
presentations
• 2nd & 3rd year modules – working in pairs/small
groups (10-15 minutes)
• Individual presentations of 15 minutes for
dissertation module; video recorded – Learning
Grid advisors
• Structure; content; clarity
• Audibility/ body language
• Handouts/ Powerpoint – present structure; key
texts/ images
• Acting as discussants & responding to questions