M1S3: Learning methods in postgraduate courses – II

At the end of this session, you will be able to –

 Explain the procedure of conducting Group Discussion,
 Describe the method of conducting Seminar, and
 Differentiate between Seminar and Group Discussion.

Group discussion is a Small Group Teaching-Leaning Method. It is useful for learning

objectives in cognitive domain as well as those in affective domain.
This activity is the regular feature for the afternoon sessions for the duration of postgraduate
studies. This is a platform for informal sharing of information and ideas. A faculty member
may supervise it or the learners may hold discussions on their own. It has the advantage of
involving all group members in discussions. However, if one of the members in the group is
vocal or aggressive, the entire exercise may become lopsided and lose its significance.
Group discussion could be controlled group discussion, where a group member co-ordinates
and directs the discussion; or free group discussion, which doesn’t have a co-ordinating or
controlling effect by anyone. Unless the group is mature and self-disciplined, free group
discussion may go haywire and lose its purpose.

Seminar is one of the most iconic practices in the postgraduate studies. In fact, there are lots
of variations in the way Seminar is understood by a majority of academics.
In the traditional model of Seminar the postgraduate students are allotted topics by the
coordinator. Each student prepares for the topic and presents it in a didactic format, followed
by some question and answer session. The supervisor often makes concluding remarks. This
model is not much different from the lecture method.
The classical model of Seminar is also called as Socratic Seminar, and is much like a series
of Group Discussions that are based on a theme. This theme will have multiple topics, which
will be the anchors for discussion in each session. The topics are decided to match the theme,
and each participant takes the lead to initiate the discussion in his or her allotted session.
Often the guide starts the discussion by making opening remarks on the topic and requesting
the group members to involve in the ensuing deliberations. He or she will intervene only
when it is necessary to hold the track of discussion. Further, he or she will summarise the
discussions at the end and make the concluding remarks.
Please note, there is NO audience for Classical Seminar, in fact, participants ARE the
audience.
The difference between Classical Seminar and Group Discussion are –
o In Classical Seminar topic is predetermined and is related to the theme under
discussion, whereas in controlled group discussion topic may be decided on spot or
with minimal notice period.
o The Classical Seminar is a series of group discussions, while Group Discussion is a
stand-alone activity.
At the end of this session, are you able to –
 Explain the procedure of conducting Group Discussion,
 Describe the method of conducting Seminar, and
 Differentiate between Seminar and Group Discussion.