Now turn to section 3, track 22. Section 3. You will hear a tutor and a student discussing a seminar. First you have some time to look at questions 21 to 26.
Now listen carefully and answer questions 21 to 26. Come in. Hi.
Oh, hello Ahmed. How are you? Fine, thanks. Have a seat.
So, how do you think the seminar went last week? Oh, well, I enjoyed it, yes. Though I'm not sure I really followed parts of the discussion that took place. You know, about the theory and all that.
Well, we can talk about that later. But were you comfortable in the group? Oh, it's better I think than working on your own. Though you're comparing yourself all the time with the other students there.
Okay. Well, let's talk about how you did and look at some strategies to help you in the future. That would be great.
Now, one of the things that students often overlook when they go to seminars is that you do need to prepare for them. You can't rely on other people. I know.
And I did look at the results of the experiments we did in class and write them up beforehand, as you said. Yes. And that was good.
It made it easier to analyse them. But you have to do some background reading as well. Did you get the list of articles I sent round? Mm-hmm.
I've started to read them. Okay. Well, you'll know that for next time.
Yes, yes, sure. So, let's move on to your participation in the seminar. Right.
Perhaps you can tell me how you think that went. Yeah, well, I'm not used to talking to more than a couple of people. It's very different from the way we learn in my home country.
Yes, I appreciate that. So, I think I, um, well, I know I should have included everyone, but I think I kept turning to the person next to me. Is that because you were avoiding eye contact? I don't think so.
I'm not shy. It's just habit, I think. Well, that will improve as we do more seminars.
Uh-huh. Um, another difficulty is knowing when to speak. Like, when it's your turn? Yes.
I felt I did wait for a pause. Yes, you handled that quite well. The thing I'm really concerned about is keeping up with the discussion.
Ah, does your mind wander off? Sometimes. I jot down a lot of information, but I still find myself thinking about something else when lots of other students are talking. Hmm.
If there's an assignment to do at the end of a group, that usually helps. I'm sure it does. Okay.
Now, the last thing I want to look at is the role that you play in the seminar. What do you mean? Well, when students work in groups, they don't all behave the same way. Some students are quiet.
Some look for support. Some ask a lot of questions. Oh.
That's a new idea to me. I don't know what I'm like. That's probably because you're thinking about your own performance all the time.
I guess so. I mean, should I be different in some way? What I would say is that when we do the next seminar, you should look more at the people around you. You know, look outside yourself.
Like ask myself how they feel? Yes, or what they're looking for from the group. Okay. It doesn't take much, but it's important to watch what other students are doing.
Okay. I'll do that. Fine.
Now, I'm going to suggest... Before you hear the rest of the conversation, you have some time to look at questions 27 to 30. Now listen and answer questions 27 to 30. Now, I'm going to suggest a couple of strategies for next week's seminar.
Okay. That's great. I need to participate more.
Well, it's not a question of saying more, but we need everyone to feel comfortable about giving their views. Then the discussion is better. Yes.
So, you're a confident person. Should I make sure I'm near someone who's quiet? You can do, but it's more about how well you pay attention to other students. Okay.
So, I need to be attentive. Yes. And then encourage someone else to say more by saying, what did you mean when you said... or what do you think about the idea that... That way I'm talking.
Yes. But you'll find that other people will talk too. You'll all start to get really involved.
Right. They're good suggestions. The other thing that can really help is the way you take notes.
I know I write down everything, but I should be stricter with myself. Well, you actually need to think a few days ahead. Really? Yes.
What's the topic and what's the best way of making notes? I see. So, I have a strategy when I walk in the room. Exactly.
Then when you read through them later, they'll make sense and you won't have to write them out again. I always have to do that. The other thing I would say is that you should include a small column in your notes where you can jot down things you want to go back to before the seminar ends.
Like a reminder. Yes. Notes aren't just for later.
You can use them as a prompt when there's a pause in the discussion. That's been really helpful. Okay.
See you in class tomorrow. Thanks. That is the end of section 3. You now have half a minute to check your answers.