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“SYMPOSIUM

Presented By:
Mrs. Ningrinchon Rumthao
Msc I Year
College of Nursing, CMC Vellore
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Article
Maximizing the Impact of a Symposium to Facilitate
Change in Student Attitudes about Interdisciplinary
Teamwork.

• Reneé A. Zucchero PhD

• Edmond A. Hooker MD DrPH
• Barbara Harland MSN MEd RN CNL
• Shelagh Larkin MSW
• Joan Tunningley MEd OTR/L
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 LEARNING OUTCOME

Central Objective

o At the end of the session, learns will gain knowledge on the

topic of symposium, develop a positive attitude and
demonstrate organizing a symposium independently as part
of their learning process.

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 LEARNING OUTCOME
Specific Objective: At the end of the session, learners will be able to
 Define symposium
 List down the objectives of symposium
 Elaborate the scope of symposium
 Identify the characteristics of symposium
 Discuss the techniques of symposium in detail
 Compare the advantages and disadvantages of symposium
 Underline the limitations
 Translate the role of symposium in learning

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 INTRODUCTION
o In ancient Greek, symposium was apart of a banquet that took
place after a meal.
o Drinking for pleasure was accompanied by music, dancing,
recitals or conversation
o Primarily enjoyed by the
highest class of Greek
society called the ARISTOI

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 Meaning
The word symposium has several
dictionary meanings.

- Plato used this term for “Good

dialogue” to present the views
towards God.

- Intellectual recreation or
enjoyment.
o In modern times, it has come to
mean an academic conference
meeting such as a scientific
conference.

o A symposium is a systematic
presentation of different
approaches of a single problem
by a group of two or more
persons belonging to a particular
discipline with a special
knowledge of the subject. 8
 Definitions
o “The symposium can be defined as a method group discussion in
which two or more persons under the direction f a chairman,
present separate speeches which gives answers to several aspects
of one question.” - Hiedgerken

o “We think of a symposium as a group of comment either spoken

or written, which portrays contrasting or at least different points
of view.” - Struck

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 Objectives
o To identify and understand two various aspects of the theme
o To develop the ability of decision and judgment regarding a
problem
o To develop the values and feelings regarding a problem
o To enable the listeners to form policies regarding a theme or
problem.

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Scope for use of Symposium
o Use of television for education
o Scope of distance education in our system
o Use of objective and essay type tests.
o Semester system in education
o Quality control of educational research
o Use of micro-teaching in teacher-education

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 Characteristics
o Provides broad understanding of a topic or a problem
o Opportunity is provided to the listeners to take decision
about the problem
o Used for higher classes to specific themes and problems
o Develops the feeling of cooperation and adjustment
o The objectives as synthesis and evaluation are achieved by
employing the symposium technique
o Provides different views on the topic of symposium
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TECHNIQUES OF
A SYMPOSIUM
The whole discussion process can be divided into

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 1. Preparatory Phase
o Apt topic for the symposium is to be selected.
o A group of participants good in communication are selected, and a
chairman from among them a chairman is selected.
o Ideal number of pupil participants is 4-5
o Clear connection of symposium discussion to
course objectives.
o Participants should know the objective of the
symposium
o All speeches to be prepared ahead.

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 2. Conductive Phase
o Chairman opens the topic for discussion
o Time limit for paper presentation of
each speaker. 15- 20 minutes.
o Mute questions from the audience
and directs the discussion. 2-3 mins.
o Sequence of information presented.
o Each speaker given an opportunity
to make a final statement

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 2. Conclusion Phase
o The general audience listens to the discussion.
o Brief summary of all the speeches and opens the topic for
discussion to the audience.
o A consensus is reached after verifying the pros and cons of
different viewpoints expressed
by the speakers as well as the
participants.

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Advantages of a Symposium
• Promotes collaborative, cooperative learning and
peer sharing
• Facilitates comprehension and practical application
of concept
• Improves the capability of students to approach a
problem through various facts
• Improves articulation in discussion and
communication
• It does not require any additional supplies such as
handouts or audio visuals.
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 Disadvantages of a Symposium
• Requires extensive preparation and planning
on the part of students
• Time consuming. 60 minutes to 90 minutes.
• Requires that students possess adequate knowledge
for active discussion and comprehension
• Inadequate opportunity to participate
actively for all the students.

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 LIMITATIONS
• Chairman has no control over the speakers
• There is a probability of repetition of the conduct
• Different aspects of theme is presented simultaneously
• Listeners remain passive in the symposium
• Discussion and presentation of the theme is not
summarized at the end.
• The technique is employed to achieve the higher
objectives of higher objectives of cognitive domain but
affective are not emphasized properly.
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 Role of Symposium in Nursing
o Opportunity for nurses to changing role of nurses in
community and home care from international perspective
o This will promote the generation and implementation of EBP
in community and home nursing
o It will contribute formulating global and regional strategies in
advancing nurses role
o Develop policy initiative to nursing practice, nursing
education, nursing management and disaster management.
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 Conclusion

The symposium, whether conducted virtually or

as in-person live event in a conducive
environment offers a valuable educational
experience for students.

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 DISCUSSION FORMATS

E L SYMPOSIUM
A N
P Relatively informal Present opposing point of
view
Members sit facing the
audience
Invited guests deliver short
Members usually talk to each speeches on a subject
other
After introduction, each
speaker stands and faces 23
the audience
Thank You

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 References
o R. Sudha, Nursing Education: Principles and Concepts. 2 nd
Edition. Jaypee Publication
o Sharma Kumar Dinesh, Communication and Educational
Technology. 2nd Edition. Lotus Publication
o Https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/symposium
o Zucchero, R. A., Hooker, E. A., Harland, B., Larkin, S., &
Tunningley, J. (2011). Maximizing the impact of a symposium
to facilitate change in student attitudes about interdisciplinary
teamwork. Clinical Gerontologist, 34(5), 399-412.

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