Content for B.Ed. Environmental Education Students.

1. SEMINAR as an
Environmental Education
Technique
Dr. Bahunlang Tron
College of Teacher Education (PGT) Shillong

2. Concept
A seminar as an instructional
technique involves generating a
situation for a group to have
guided interaction among
themselves on different aspects
or components of a topic, which
is generally presented by one or
more members.
As an instructional technique it
involves paper reading or
presentation on a theme or topic
followed by group discussion to
clarify the complex, difficult or
vague aspects of the theme.

3. Objectives of the Seminar
COGNITIVE OBJECTIVES
1. To develop higher cognitive abilities
2. To develop the ability of responding
3. To develop the ability of keen observation
of experience, feelings and to present them
effectively.
4. To develop the ability to seek clarification
and defend the ideas of others effectively.

4. 1. To develop the feeling of tolerance.
2. To develop the feelings of cooperation
3. To develop emotional ability among
the participants of the seminar.
4. To acquire the good manners of putting
questions and answering the questions of
others politely and effectively.
AFFECTIVE
OBJECTIVES

5. Steps for conducting classroom
seminar in EE
▪ Step I:
The teacher (chairman/leader) should take the initiative in
acquainting the students (participants) with the objectives and
purpose of the seminar. This would enable the student to have
receptive attitude to the seminar plan and recognise the potential
value of participating fully in the seminar learning experience.

6. Step 2
▪ Seminar requires much planning in terms of referring to
literature on related aspects of the seminar topic,
organising and collecting data in a sequential manner
and presenting the paper through effective reporting.
With students, the teacher can oversee the preparation
and guide in the different stages of preparation and
writing of the paper.

7. Step - 3
▪ Duration for the presentation of papers varies from topic
to topic and discipline to discipline. Generally 30-40
minutes are permitted for presentation followed by
discussion for 15-20 minutes.
▪ This need not be a hard and fast rule. Adequate time
should be given to students or other participants to clear
their doubts and probe the major aspects of the topic./
papers can be illustrated with/through projected aids
(slides, transparencies, filmstrips) or non-projected
(chart, diagrams, maps, etc.)

8. Step - 4
▪ Evaluation is one of the main aspect of paper
presentation at seminars. Observation by
individual students appointed by the teacher,
along with the teacher can be carried out in
order to give a feedback to the presenter (s)
on his/her/their presentation.

9. CONDUCTING A SEMINAR
▪ The setting up of an environment that contributes to the purpose of the
seminar is of importance and requires a skilled teacher.
▪ A motivating learning situation that is not too highly organised or too relaxed
is essential.
▪ The discussion needs to be kept active, while at the same time the orderly
development of the subject content should be maintained.
▪ The teacher usually guides the seminar, however student carry out this
function under the guidance of teacher.

10. CONDUCTING A SEMINAR
▪ Define the purpose of the discussion.• Relate the topic of discussion to the main
concept or the objectives to be attained.• Direct and focus the discussion on the topic.•
Helps students express their ideas.• Keep the discussion at a high level of interest so
that students will listen attentively to those who are contributing ideas.• Plan comments
and questions that relate to the subject and will also help to guide the discussion.
▪ Set a time limit for each person to contribute.• Guard against monopoly of the
discussion by any member of the seminar.• Plan for a summary at intervals during
discussion and also at the end and relate the ideas expressed to the purpose of
discussion.• Have the discussion recorded either by a student as a recording secretary
or have it tape recording.• Plan for teacher and student self-evaluation of the progress
made towards the immediate objectives.

11. Advantages
▪ The major advantage of having the
seminar as a mode of instruction is its
stimulating and testing of students’
power to comprehend and evaluate.
▪ The presenter is tested on his skill in
arranging and formulating a sustained
agreement.
▪ Ability to detect and derive the principle
from the context is developed.
Understanding power and questioning
ability in a relevant situation are
strengthened.

12. Seminar is, therefore an advanced socialised method which serve as a useful purpose at all levels. As
it involves preparation and participation and response from the peer group, it not only breaks the
monotony of the lecture strategy but also motivates the students to probe into a topic deeply, write it in
a report form, present it to fellow students and find satisfaction in his academic efforts.
By participation, in the solution of problems the student becomes more articulate and develops a more
critical point of view and organized, scientific approach towards an issue as chosen for the presentation
Seminar gives training in self-learning and promotes independent thinking.• Ability to see and solve our
own problems is increased because personal difficulties can be compared with those of the group.•
Skilfully directed, apart from self-reliance, self-confidence and sense of responsibility seminar also
promotes group spirit and cooperativeness.
Advantages

13. LIMITATIONS
• Time-consuming.• Cannot be applied to new
students.• Timid students cannot improve.• If
subject knowledge is poor, unnecessary
discussion arises.• Requires a skilled teacher.

14. Thank you