LLM Notes: Seminar Method of Research: Its merits and demerits

 Chapter V: Seminar Method

"Reading makes a full man; writing an exact man, and conference a ready man." - Francis Bacon

Seminar is a technique of instruction by which circumstances are created for reflection level of understanding. Students are more active in reflection level and teacher is there to assist or guide them.

In higher education teachers should use those techniques in which students can play an important and active role. Seminar method is one of them. It is a presentation and discussion among selected groups of persons for purposeful deliberation.

Generally, seminars are conducted by colleges, Universities or research institutions. Some organizations also support or assist for conduction of seminar like Indian Law Institute, University Grants Commission (U.G.C.), and National Educational Research Council.

Seminar method is used to share opinions, concerns and appreciations, to discuss a particular issue. The number of days could vary depending on the object of seminar. Seminar method is the most modern and advanced method of teaching. A seminar is an advanced group technique which is usually used in higher education. It is an instructional technique. It involves generating a situation for a group to have a guided interaction among themselves on a theme. It refers to a structured group discussion, what usually follows a formal lecture or lectures often in the form of an essay or a paper presentation on a theme. (Madhavan Thulasi 2009, p-01)

Seminar method is more useful in legal education. The object of legal education is to create a safe and positive environment in which students can fearlessly express their views. Seminar method is helpful to achieve that object.

Being a part of creative education, seminar method possesses all the objectives of creative education. Seminar method is a first step in the way of establishment of democratic country.

The main objective of legal teaching is to impart new knowledge. 

Seminar can be divided into the following types:

1. National seminar

2. International seminar

3. State Level Seminar

4. Major seminar

5. Class (mini) Seminar

National issues or problems are generally the theme of this type of seminar. Participants come from all over India. Agencies like U.G.C or NCERT provide assistance for it.

When any subject of the seminar is of global concern and speakers or participants are invited from more than one country, it is called an international seminar. Mostly international agencies or organizations like WTO, UNESCO, or National committees organize such seminars.

When the participants of the seminar are restricted to a particular state, it is called a state-level seminar, like Madhya Pradesh or Uttar Pradesh. The theme or problem of the seminar will be national or international with special reference to that state.

A major seminar is popularly known as an institutional seminar. It is conducted at an institutional level for a specific purpose. Most of the Participants are members of that institution.

It is a mini seminar. The class seminar is conducted in the class for teaching purposes. Participants are the students of that class and the teacher as well. Class seminars are felt necessary because it gives the students self-confidence, questioning skill, and experience to conduct major seminars in the future.

Seminar method has various advantages which are as follows:

1. The seminar method provides enough opportunity for meeting the varying interests and abilities of students.

2. The method provides a good opportunity for coordination.

3. It helps in the development of democratic values.

4. The approach is student-centered and develops self-confidence in students.

5. This method promotes analytical and critical thinking.

6. Students learn in a natural way by doing.

7. The method helps in imbibing useful habits like self-confidence, scientific temper, and drawing conclusions.

8. Provides an opportunity to share feelings or experiences about the theme or subject of the seminar.

9. It is intellectual teamwork and provides deep and intensive knowledge about the subject.

10. Students learn through seminar presentation, to speak and stand.

11. Students learn to respect the ideas of others and to share responsibilities.

12. Through seminar method, students crystallize their thinking and identify concepts for further study.

13. Seminar method helps in discovering leaders.

1. Seminar method is not easy to organize as it is too complex and technical.

2. It is not economic in terms of money or time.

3. Very highly qualified persons are required for the success of this method.

4. The use of this method is not adequate or practical for undergraduate students.

5. All the students do not have the capacity for the preparation or presentation of a paper.

6. All colleges and universities don't have facilities (economic/teaching) for this method.

7. Not suitable for all subjects or cases.

8. Sometimes language becomes the limitation in this method.

9. There is a possibility of groupism, favoring, or bias.

Seminar Method of Research: Comprehensive Overview

Table: Seminar Method Analysis

Aspect	Description
Definition	An advanced group technique used in higher education involving guided interaction among participants on a theme, often following a formal lecture or paper presentation.
Objectives	To share opinions, discuss issues, impart new knowledge, develop democratic values, promote analytical thinking, and foster self-confidence.
Types	National, International, State Level, Major (Institutional), Class (Mini)
Advantages	Meets varying interests, promotes coordination, develops democratic values, student-centered, promotes critical thinking, natural learning, imbibes useful habits, shares experiences, provides deep knowledge.
Disadvantages	Complex to organize, not economical, requires highly qualified persons, not practical for all students, relies on student capacity, facility-dependent, subject-specific, potential for language barriers/bias.

 Ten Key Aspects of the Seminar Method

·       Definition:
Seminar is a technique of instruction involving presentation and discussion among a selected group of persons.

·       Objective of Legal Education:
The seminar method creates a safe and positive environment where students can express their views fearlessly.

·       Types of Seminars:
Seminars can be National, International, State Level, Major (Institutional), or Class (Mini).

·       Opportunity for Coordination:
The seminar method provides a good opportunity for coordination among students.

·       Development of Democratic Values:
It helps in the development of democratic values by encouraging discussion and respect for differing opinions.

·       Student-Centered Approach:
The seminar method is student-centered and develops self-confidence in students.

·       Promotion of Analytical and Critical Thinking:
This method promotes analytical and critical thinking skills among students.

·       Sharing of Feelings and Experiences:
Seminars provide an opportunity to share feelings or experiences about the theme or subject.

·       Intellectual Teamwork:
It is intellectual teamwork that provides deep and intensive knowledge about the subject.

·       Speaking and Presentation Skills:
Through seminar presentations, students learn to speak and present their ideas effectively.

Mind Map Concept: Seminar Method of Research

·       Central Topic: Seminar Method of Research

o   Main Branches:

§  Definition and Purpose

§  Types of Seminars

§  Advantages

§  Disadvantages

§  Implementation

o   Sub-Branches:

§  Definition: Structured group discussion, interaction, theme-based.

§  Purpose: Knowledge sharing, critical thinking, democratic values.

§  Types: National, International, State, Institutional, Class.

§  Advantages: Student-centered, coordination, self-confidence.

§  Disadvantages: Complex, costly, requires expertise, student capacity.

§  Implementation: Organization, facilities, participant selection.

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