Patterns & Metaphors
Seminar method
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A discussion group session in which all members of the group have something to offer. The process of the seminar generally includes a context or reference point around which the study is focused. These are usually papers selected or prepared by a faculty or organizing team. Whole papers or even books can be studied.
[Advantages] Useful for serious study of seminar papers in a conference situation. Non-confrontational approach that begins by seriously examining the content, relevance and validity of a person's thought by comparing it with personal experience. It can authentically promote changes in attitude and understanding which may lead to subsequent changes in practice. It tends to encourage maturity of thought through the interchange of ideas within the group. The responsibility remains with the participants for the contents, conclusions, and implications of the seminar.
[Disadvantages] This method is not useful for introducing new ideas that are unrelated to the experience of the members, since each person is expected to have something worthwhile to contribute. The effectiveness of the seminar depends heavily on the skill of the faculty in involving all the members of the group and in preparing the flow and focus of the questions that will catalyse creative discussion. The effectiveness is also dependent on the quality and appropriateness of the paper that is being studied.
