Becoming a Physiotherapist by Chris Cath

Author:Chris,Cath
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: National Book Network International
Published: 2017-03-01T05:00:00+00:00

Getting the most out of seminars

Seminars give students the opportunity to work on the practical aspects of the theory they have learnt. They are also a forum in which to develop discussion and presentation skills. Seminars usually involve the discussion of material presented in a lecture or in directed reading, exploring it in more detail than the lecture allows. You will be working in groups and often this will allow you to listen to and question the ideas shared by group members, giving you additional perspectives and insights into the subject material. It will also give you the opportunity to receive criticism and defend your own ideas. This may cause some anxiety and this is not uncommon. Many students do not like sharing their views openly or challenging other people’s ideas. This can be embarrassing but can be managed. With thorough preparation you are more likely to be confident with the material you present.

You will get the most out of seminars if you prepare for them. Review the material you need for the seminar – you may have some directed reading or perhaps only the seminar title but you can use this to read around the subject. It will be useful if you have some ideas which you can introduce, or perhaps there are questions you need to have answered.

‘I really enjoyed the seminars because it gave me the chance to ask questions and to learn in a practical way. We were in different groups each year, so I got to study with lots of different people.’

As you participate in the session remember that you are there to learn as well as putting your ideas forward. Listening is an important skill and is very useful as you consider new subjects. Other people will offer alternative perspectives or will have read useful material that will increase your understanding of the subject so take notes on things being said. It is not just the tutor that will have something valuable to say; other students might also have some relevant comments and it is useful to write things down that are of interest. If there is something you do not understand ask about it and talk it through with the rest of the group. As others become involved in the discussions you have during these sessions you will develop your skills in group work and in presenting your material to others.

Sometimes the idea of speaking out in a group of people that you do not know well may cause anxiety but there are some strategies you can employ beforehand which will help you to deal with these feelings. Get to know the other group members, so that you feel more at ease. This will help the seminar feel like a discussion among friends. It may also be appropriate to challenge yourself to ask a question or make a contribution in each session to build your confidence. Participation does not require you to take over the session but to make a brief and relevant point or to respond to someone else’s questions.

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