detail of symposium.a method of teaching

1. SYMPOSIUM

2. INTRODUCTION
Ancient Greek culture from the 7th
century BC and was a party held in a
private home where Greek males
gathered to drink, eat and sing
together.The activity was primarily
enjoyed by the highest class of Greek
society, the aristoi.
Symposium technique is one of the
techniques of higher learning.

3. MEANING
The word “symposium”has several
dictionary meanings.
 “good dialogue” to present the views
towards God. (Plato)
 the intellectual recreation or enjoyment.
 a meeting of persons to discuss a problem
or theme.

4. DEFINITION
Symposium is defined as a teaching technique
that serves as an excellent method for
informing the audience, crystallizing their
opinion and preparing them for arriving at
decision regarding a particular issue or a
topic.

5. OBJECTIVES OF SYMPOSIUM
• To identify and understand two various
aspects of theme and problems.
• To develop the ability to decision and
judgment regards a problem.
• To develop the values and feelings
regarding a problem.
• To enable the listeners to form policies
regarding a theme or problem.

6. CHARACTERISTICS
• It provides the broad understanding of a topic or a
problem.
• The opportunity is provided to the listeners to take
decision about the problem.
• It is used for higher classes to specific themes and
problems.
• It develops the feeling of cooperation and
adjustment.
• The objectives as synthesis and evaluation are
achieved by employing the symposium technique.
• It provides the different views on the topic of the
symposium.

7. Seminar Vs Symposium
SEMINAR SYMPOSIUM
Topics are related to recent
trends and developments in a
discipline
Topics are related to
controversial issues in a
discipline.
Multiple aspects of the topic
under consideration is
discussed
Single aspect of the topic is
discussed
Chairperson has to exert
less control
Chairperson has to exert more
control
Comparitively less
preparation from the sides of
participants
Demand more preparation
from the sides of participants

8. MECHANISM OF SYMPOSIUM
2 or more
speaker
10 to 20 minutes
Speeches should
be disinterrupted
Persuasive,argumentative
informative or evocative
Chairman should
introduces the topics.
Less interactior
active listener
Audeience should
sit in a single line

9. TECHNIQUES
• Moderator should plan the program ahead
of time.
• Each members of the class, as well as the
speakers should know the objectives of
the symposium and brief of the topic.
• Each speaker should prepare on the given
or accepted topic.
• The moderator should have a conference
with each of the speakers.
• The moderator may function as a
chairman.

10. • The symposium starts with the chairman
introducing the topic.
• Next chairman introduces the speakers.
• Then the topic is presented by the students
taking 15 to 20 minutes time.
• As a conclusion at the end the chairman
gives brief summary of all the speeches
and opens the discussion to the students.
• Any question or contributions addressed
through the chairman.

11. PRECAUTIONS FOR SYMPOSIUM
There are three conditions in the use of the
symposium technique:
• Firstly the moderator should be sure to
prepare the speakers or see that they are
prepared. They should know the rules of
procedure, sequence of speaking, and way
in which the forum will be conducted; and
they should be aware of the ideas, and
background of other performers.

12. • Secondly the chairman is responsible for
preparing the agendas, should not attempt
to stack the cards by omitting or ignoring
vital phases of the problem as he selects
or delegates his speakers. It is not good to
face up to an inadvertent misinterpretation
or omission.
• Thirdly the chairman in the forum
situations must plan very carefully for the
questioning period that follows the
prepared speeches, unless he wishes to
risk boredom.

13. ADVANTAGES
• It is suited to a large group or classes.
• This method can be frequently used to present broad
topics for discussion symposium at conventions and
organization meetings.
• Organization is good because of the set speeches
prepared before hand.
• Gives deeper insight into the topic.
• Directs the students to continuous independent
study.
• Lends itself to the teaching of clinical subjects.
• This method can be used in political meetings.

14. LIMITATIONS
• The chairman has no control over the speakers.
• There is probability of repetition of the conduct
because every speaker prepares theme as a whole.
• The different aspects of a theme are presented
simultaneously.
• The listeners remain passive in the symposium.
• The discussion and presentation of theme is not
summarized at the end.
• This technique is employed to achieve the higher
objectives of cognitive domain but affective
objectives are not emphasized properly.

15. SUMMARY

16. CONCLUSION
Symposium as a method of teaching is suitable for
large or smaller group, a number of papers are read
dealing with different aspects of the same subject, or
different points of view on one topic. The papers may
be prepared by staff, outside specialists or students.
After the papers have been read, contributions are
invited from the audience. These may take the form
of additional points or direct questions to one or
other of the paper readers. All contributions are
addressed through the chairman. Generally three-
fourths of the time will be devoted to the paper and
one-fourths to the audience participation.