MAXIMIZING YOUR SUCCESS: Graduate School Seminars

Source: Columbia University School of Professional Studies. (2022). Maximizing your success: Graduate school seminars. https://sps.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/2022-03/Maximizing%20Your%20Success%20in%20Graduate%20School%20Seminars%20%281%29.pdf

WHAT IS A SEMINAR COURSE?

Seminars differ from lectures as they are discussion-based courses. In seminars, students are expected to engage in meaningful conversation about the course material through active participation with their professors and classmates. Academic discussion can be intimidating, especially if English is not your first language. It can also be difficult to determine when, why, and how you should be speaking in class. This document will provide some valuable information to help boost your confidence and maximize your success in graduate school seminars!

BE PREPARED

Coming to class prepared is the single most important factor of success in seminar courses. You cannot make meaningful contributions to class discussions if you are not familiar with the source material. Completing all the required readings and activities ahead of time, taking diligent notes, and formulating your own ideas is the best thing you can do to increase your confidence, as you will be able to follow along with your peers without feeling lost or discouraged. When you are familiar with a topic, you are more likely to get involved and speak up during class.

FOCUS ON QUALITY NOT QUANTITY

Sometimes students make comments during seminar discussions simply because they think it will increase their participation grade; however, if your remark does not add any value to the discussion, you might be interrupting the professor or the flow of the conversation. Always aim to build on the thoughts and ideas of others rather than commenting for the sake of participation.

Before speaking, think of the acronym, W.A.I.T: Why Am I Talking? If you do not have a meaningful contribution to make then you may want to reformulate your argument or think about something else you can say.

LISTEN TO UNDERSTAND, NOT RESPOND

Good communication requires mutual understanding and respect. Show interest in what the other person has to say and actively reflect on their words rather than focusing on what you will say next. During class discussions, ask follow-up questions and respond to others by rephrasing their points in your own words. You can say things like, "If I understand you correctly, you are saying..." or "Are you talking about...?" Remember, your seminar discussion is not a debate or a competition: there is always more than one right answer. Be open-minded about other thoughts, opinions, and ideas when they contradict your own.