Let’s face it, no one likes a group project. So having the weekly group work that is university seminars on your timetable can be a little daunting. However, once you get used to navigating that initial awkward silence that never quite goes away from the start of every class, they can be extremely useful. Here are some simple tips to help you get the most out of your seminars.
How Do They Work?
For those that might not already know, seminars are a very common way of teaching humanities subjects at university, alongside lectures. They involve small groups of around a maximum of 15 student discussing the week’s topic. Often the tutor running the session starts and guides the discussion, but students’ ideas dictate the direction of conversation. Bouncing ideas between your classmates is like writing an essay draft out loud. Ideas develop and change, making the sessions extremely flexible. You might even leave the seminar thinking about your topic from a completely different perspective.
Seminars > Lectures
Ideally, seminars should take priority in your week and preparation over lectures. This might seem a bit backwards because lectures often provide the basis of your knowledge. Even so, lectures are not interactive and in most cases are recorded, so they are quite easy to catch up on. Seminars on the other hand are not recorded, and more of an individual learning experience.
Missing one is not the end of the world as a classmate or tutor can always catch you up on what you missed. But you will feel much more confident in your modules if you do the reading and attend as many sessions as possible. No matter how much you would rather ignore work for another week. Use the opportunity to ask questions and optimise your understanding of the topic. Your future self will thank you.
Speaking Up Against Imposter Syndrome
In the moment, contributing in seminars can take some courage. It can be difficult to be surrounded by people who all seem to completely understand the topic and have some really amazing ideas. Don’t forget, you’ve got to the same point too and are just as intelligent. Thinking that your peers’ ideas make you sound stupid is such a common thought. People will think the same about your ideas! Once you start contributing in seminars you will realise it really is not that bad. So do not be afraid to voice your opinion, especially if it is a different angle. Respectful debate tops an echo chamber of ideas every time.
The Trick is in the Detail
To avoid feeling like you’ve been in the same room for what seems like forever, the little things make a class much easier. For example, making sure your laptop is charged for note-taking and remembering to bring a snack for the half-way break are small but easily forgotten hacks. Not only this, but asking to change aspects of the seminar may also be welcomed by your tutor. In my own classes, students tend to request that the tutor does not pick on random individuals to answer questions. We prefer to volunteer answers to take the pressure away. It really is up to you.
Get Those Exam Tips
Towards exam season, seminars are the perfect opportunity to find out just what the tutor is looking for in your assignments. As they are often the ones marking them, seminars are the place to ask what makes a good essay, share advice, or bring a drafted paragraph. Try to resist the temptation to stop going at the end of term.