SYMPOSIUM
PREPARED BY:
MISS DIPTI PUNJAL
FIRST YEAR [Link]. NURSING
ROLL NO.: 02
SUBJECT: NURSING EDUCATION
GIMH
INTRODUCTION
• Symposium technique is a type of discussion where
two or more speakers talk for 10-20 minutes, develop
individual approaches or solutions to a present aspect
of a policy, process or programme.
• These techniques of higher learning.
• It is an instructional technique that is used to achieve
higher cognitive and effective objectives.
MEANING OF SYMPOSIUM
The word symposium has several
dictionary meanings.
Plato used this term for good
dialogue to present views towards
God.
Another meaning of the is
intellectual recreation or
enjoyment.
DEFINITION
“Symposium is defined as a teaching technique
that serves as an excellent method for informing
the audiences, crystallizing, their opinion and
preparing them for arriving at decision regarding
a particular issue or a topic.”
“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 questions to several
aspects of one question.”
(Hiedgerken)
PURPOSES/OBJECTIVES OF SYMPOSIUM
To identify and understand various aspects of the theme and
problems.
To develop the ability to come to a decision and provide
judgement regarding a problem.
To enable the listeners form policies regarding a theme or
problem.
To provide understanding to the students or listeners on a
theme or problem to specifically develop certain values and
feelings.
To investigate a
problem from several
points of view.
To boost student’s
abilities to speak in the
group.
To encourage the
students to study
independently.
CHARACTERISTICS OF SYMPOSIUM
It provides broad understanding of a topic or problem.
The listener is provided with an opportunity to take
decisions about a problem.
It is used in higher classes for specific themes and
problems.
It develops feelings of cooperation and adjustment.
It provides different views on the topic of the
symposium.
PRINCIPLES OF SYMPOSIUM
The speech may be persuasive, argumentative and
informative.
Original presentation is objective and accurate.
Summary to be always included at conclusion.
Each speech proceeds without interruption.
The chairman of the symposium introduces the topic,
suggests its importance and sometimes indicates the general
approaches.
All members of the symposium performing group can sit in a
straight line behind the table, or in adjoining chairs with the
chairman in the middle or to one side of the speakers.
THE SYMPOSIUM TECHNIQUE:
Preparation Conduction Conclusion
phase phase phase:
1. Preparation phase
The apt topic is selected and various aspects of the topic are
spelled out.
Planning regarding the discussion should be done well ahead
of time.
Date and time are to be decided.
A group of participants, who are good in communications, are
to be selected and from among them a chairman is selected.
2. Conduction phase:
Chairman opens the topic for discussion with a brief introduction
and also introduces the speakers to the audience.
He sets the time limits for presentation of papers by the speakers.
Chairman may also invite questions from the audience and directs
the discussion.
Each speaker may be given an opportunity to make a final
statement.
The chairman finally sums up after all the speakers have spoken and
closes the session.
3. Conclusion phase:
The general audience listens to the discussions and each
person forms his own conclusions based on the validity or
value of the viewpoints presented.
The chairman gives brief summary of all the speeches and
opens the topic for discussion to the students.
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.
ADVANTAGES OF SYMPOSIUM
• It is suited to a large group or classes.
• This method can be frequently used to present broad
topics for discussion at conventions and organization of
meeting.
• Organization is good as speeches are prepared beforehand.
• It gives deeper insight into the topic.
• It directs the students to continuous independent study.
• This method can be used in political meetings.
DISADVANTAGES OF SYMPOSIUM:
• It provides inadequate opportunity for all students to participate actively.
• The speech is limited to 15-20 minutes.
• It has limited audience participation.
• Questions and answers limited to only 3-4 minutes.
• It has possibility of overlapping of subjects.
• There is a probability of repetition of content.
• The chairman have no control over the speakers as they have full
freedom to prepare the theme for discussion. They can present any aspect
of the theme or problem.
