The document discusses the symposium method of teaching. It defines a symposium as a group discussion where 2-5 people present different perspectives on a topic under a chairperson. The method aims to analyze problems from multiple views, engage students actively, and relieve boredom. It involves preparation, conduction, and conclusion phases with speakers researching aspects of a topic and a chairperson introducing them and summarizing discussions. Advantages include collaborative learning and communication skills development while disadvantages include requiring preparation time and not all students participating actively.

1. The job of an educator is to teach students to see the
vitality in themselves
- Joseph Campbell

2. INTRODUCTION
 Teaching methods are the stimulation guidance
direction and encouragement for learning
 Helps to achieve the desired educational objectives

3.  Systematic attention to methods and materials of
teaching as well as mastery of the subject matter
are essential to promote positive learning
 Selection of right method of teaching is important
to impart knowledge in an efficient manner .

4. SYMPOSIUM
Investigation of a single problem from
several points by a group with the special
knowledge of the subject.

5. INTRODUCTION
A symposium is a systematic presentation of
different approaches of a single problem by
group of two or more persons belonging to a
particular discipline with the special knowledge
of the subject.

6. DEFINITION
The symposium can be defined as a
method of group discussion in which two or
more persons under the direction of a chairman
present separate speeches which give answers
to several aspects of one question
-Hiedgerken

7. PURPOSE OF SYMPOSIUM
 To analyse a problem from several different
points of view .
 To relieve the students from the boredom of
monotonous lecture method .
 To make students active and alert as opposed
to lecture method in which students are more
or less passive listeners.

8. THE SYMPOSIUM TECHNIQUE
The whole discussion process could be
divided into three phases
Preparation phase
Conduction phase
Conclusion phase

9. PREPARATION PHASE
 The apt topic for the symposium are selected
and various aspects of the topic are spelled
out.
 Planning is the foundation for success of any
activity and full planning regarding the
discussion should be done well ahead of time.

10.  A group of participants who are good in
communications are to be selected and from
among them a chairman is selected.
 The ideal number of people participants in a
symposium is 4 or 5.
 There should be a clear connection of the
symposium discussion to the course
objectives

11.  Each member including the chairman should know
the objective of the symposium and the breadth off
topic to be discussed
 All speeches to be prepared well ahead to avoid
confusion and overlapping or repetition of
material.
 Date and venue are to be decided

12. CONDUCTION PHASE
 Chairman open the topic for discussion with a brief
introduction and also introduces the speakers to the
audience
 He fix the time limit for presentation of papers by the
speakers
 Chairman may also invite questions from the audience
and direct the discussion
 He maintains the sequence of information presented

13.  Each speakers may be given an opportunity to
make a final statement
 The chairman finally sums up after all the
speakers have spoken and close the session

14. CONCLUSION PHASE
 The general audience listens to the discussions
and each person from his own conclusions based
on the validity of value of the viewpoints
presented.
 The chairman gives brief summary of all the
speeches and opens the topic for discussion to the
students.

15.  Finally under the leadership of chairman a
consensus is reached after verifying the pros
and cons of different viewpoints expressed by
the speakers as well as the participants.

16. ADVANTAGES
 Promotes collaborative cooperative learning
and Peer sharing
 Facilitate comprehension and practical
application of concept
 Improve the capability of students to
approach a problem through various aspects

17.  Improve articulation in discussion and
communication
 It does not require any additional supplies such
as hand outs or audio visuals
 Students can learn group problem solving
technique

18. DISADVANTAGES
 Requires extensive preparation and planning
on the part of students
 Time consuming

19.  Request that students process adequate
knowledge for active discussion and
comprehension
 Inadequate opportunity to participate actively for
all the students