Seminar/Tutorial Etiquette
Seminars and tutorials are crucial components of the teaching and learning framework at the University of Manchester. Therefore it is extremely unlikely for any taught student to complete their course without ever encountering them one way or another. The purpose of seminars is to enable students to consolidate their understanding of the discussed topics, rather than for a lecturer to introduce new knowledge or to provide direct answers to the seminar questions. This puts students at the centre of seminars, which means that unlike lectures, for example, students are expected to take the lead during seminar discussions.
Seminars bring different students together and, in contrast to individual studies, they provide an opportunity for students to engage in collaborative, peer-to-peer learning. In these circumstances, it is very important for all students to follow certain ground rules of behaviour and etiquette. The intention of this article is not to provide an exhaustive list of acceptable behaviour during seminars but, instead, to give you insights into good practice to create and maintain an enjoyable, productive, and accommodating learning environment.
Preparation is key
The more you prepare ahead of your seminars, the more you and your peers will benefit. Effective preparation will enhance your understanding of the topics, encourage critical thinking and development of your own arguments. In most cases, seminar questions cover the main topics under each course. This means that preparing well for your seminars overlaps with preparing for your assignments/exams. While exam questions may not necessarily be the same as seminar questions, the general topics under examination certainly remain the same.
Don’t be late
Being on time for your seminars allows you to make the most of them. Punctuality is an important professional practice and minimises disruptions and distractions during discussions. In the context of online seminars, especially with waiting rooms enabled, being late could leave you waiting a long time to be admitted or even rejected from the room. Remember seminar groups are usually led by just one lecturer or teaching assistant without a co-host to help with admitting students or other support tasks.
Arriving early for your seminars also enables you to collect your thoughts before discussions start. This gives you some time to resolve any pending issues, or to simply catch your breath. It also gives you time to ensure you have everything you need. For example, your computer, seminar notes, and (most importantly) a reliable internet connection. It is easy to miss out on valuable contributions when your laptop suddenly runs out of battery with no charger in sight.
Participate as much as you can
The importance of participating in seminars cannot be overstated. Simply talking about something with others creates an appreciation for different perspectives and births new ideas and points of view. There are several ways through which you can actively engage with your seminar discussions. This could include asking questions on anything you are not sure about or volunteering answers when prompted. Always take advantage of the opportunities your seminar lead gives you to participate in ongoing discussions.
For online seminars, you can also use the ‘chat’ options in Zoom, Blackboard Collaborate, or any other platform applicable to your seminars. Just make sure you write professionally in a clear and concise manner.
Beyond reinforcing your understanding of the seminar topics, participation enables you to stand out from the crowd. This is handy for when you need references from your lecturers in the future, be it for further studies or for job opportunities. Lecturers always remember their most active and engaged students.
Be respectful and professional
Use active listening techniques and do not overtake or interrupt discussions. It is one thing to participate in discussions and another to give other students a chance to share their viewpoints. It is understandable that you might be super passionate about a topic and struggle to hold back from contributing. In such cases, it is important to wait your turn and structure your main points: allow other students to provide their point of view.
Being professional also means accommodating other students’ views irrespective of how you feel about them, avoiding offensive usernames to join online seminars or offensive language when making your points, and not barging into ongoing discussions that cutting others short. Always wait your turn, politely raise your hand, or take notes of your thought process so you don’t forget once it is your turn to talk.
Final Remarks
There are no fixed rules for what makes a seminar successful and productive, this list is merely an indicator of professional practice and respectful behaviours. At the end of the day, all you have to do is put yourself in other students’ shoes and treat them as you would want to be treated.
Enjoy and make the most out of your remaining seminars!
