1. Seminar Skills
Practice
Istanbul Bilgi University
ELT 145
Presented by C.M. Herrington, MAA, MAT
1

2. Task 1: Initial preparation for the seminar
In groups of 3. Select a topic for
your seminar discussion Possible Seminar Topics
• Free education is an impractical dream
Choose a controversial • People should not be allowed to …
subject. It needs to be one • Globalization is only a threat to a small
minority of individual cultures.
that is of interest to the • Sport should play a far greater role in
others in our class and one school curricula.
• The advance of information technology is
they will be able to creating a less sociable society.
discuss. For ideas on • Women should play the same role as men
in the armed forces/ politics' /business.
seminar topic, see right. • Banning smoking in public places/schools
infringes on human rights.
• Or choose one of your own.. Some ideas
are on Bilgi online.
2

3. Prepare an overview of the topic
This should be a summary of
the main issues, as well as a
list of discussion points for the
group to consider.
Alternatively, you might like to
present points on both sides
of the issue before opening it
up to discussion by all the
participants. 3

4. In groups (3), discuss the following advice for the seminar leader.
Can you think of any further points to add?
• You will have 20 minutes for the seminar, including:
presenting the topic (max. four minutes), previewing the
vocabulary, activities, discussion, summing up the discussion
at the end.
• Ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the
discussion.
• In order to keep the discussion going if there is silence, you
will need to : build on what has been said before, ask a
question, or invite a specific person to contribute. 4

5. What does “engagement” mean?
• Engagement means, first, careful preparation of the reading.
Students are strongly encouraged to come to class with their notes
from reading (and, needless to say, the readings themselves) so
they can refer to them during discussion.
• Just as importantly, engagement means being willing to speak (to
ask questions, to say what you think, to say what confused you, to
say what you found convincing or unbelievable etc.), to question
your perspectives, to receive fair criticism of your utterances
(which are always subject to revision or clarification or reiteration).
• Finally, engagement means being willing to hear the perspectives
of your classmates and to question them; it means listening to the
comments and presentations of your peers with open ears: ears
that are attentive and critical.
5

6. Task 2 : Expectations
• See page 126
Discuss the Appendix 9F.
characteristics of a
good seminar • This is what your will
participant. use to give seminar
You can refer to Unit 2 leaders feedback.
if you need to refresh
your memory.
6

7. Task 3: Presentation Skills
Discuss the following • Planning a
presentation skills you presentation
have worked on during • Selecting and
this course . organizing your ideas
• Introducing your
topic
• Delivering a
presentation clearly
• Using visual aids
7

8. Task 4: Leading the Seminar
This will take place at a Learning Diary-
time to be arranged by youtube channel
your teacher. The allocated After you have led a
seminar leader(s) will run seminar, reflect on the
the seminar and the rest experience in your diary.
of the class will
participate. • How did you feel
immediately afterwards?
• What aspects did you
feel satisfied with?
• What aspects of
managing a seminar do
you feel you still need to
work on?
8