A forum is when a group of about 25 gather to discuss a specific topic and it is open to discussion, whereas a panel is still involving a specific topic, but only 3-6 people talk with an audience and the audience does not typically participate until the end for questions. A symposium is when a few people give presentations on related topics and then there is questioning at the end, but the presenters don’t speak like a panel. They all allow for the public to give opinion and ask questions, while the “experts” are able to answer the questions from the public. They are also all led by a moderator who leads discussion and keeps everything flowing throughout. The symposium is the most formal, followed by the forum, and then finally the panel is the least formal. During a forum, if 25 people have to try to speak it can be difficult, but it is useful to hear everyone’s thoughts. For a panel you get to hear differing opinions and to ask specific questions, but a moderator is in charge of asking those questions, which isn’t always a positive experience. For a symposium you once again hear differing opinions, but you don’t get the active participation like a forum allows. The physical location of everyone is also important for the most successful learning to take place. The audience must be able to see the main speakers and be able to be heard from the speakers as well for questions. For a forum everyone should be able to be seen when it is their time to speak. Overall, all three of these are extremely useful at different times depending on the purpose of them, the audience, and what topic is to be discussed.
Application:For my application, I would have a panel come in to an introductory course. The panel could be a variety of people, but I think it would be most useful for the students to have recent graduates in their respective majors come in. This would give students the opportunity to see what people in their major are doing for a job, if they are finding relatable positions, and what area they are working in. They can ask questions about their individual programs as well to feel more comfortable with moving forward. Recent graduates would still be fresh on what it was like to be a first year student and could give great perspective to motivate them.
Assessment: Quick Write (Barkley & Major, 2016 pp. 105-110)I would have the students do a quick write the week before the panel in order for them to have an opportunity to write out their questions for the panel, so that I could lead discussion if they are unwilling the following week. I would also be able to see what they are still struggling with and having questions about, so if the panel doesn’t answer for them, I could still cover it if I am able. After the panel, I would have them complete another quick write to see if they got all their questions answered or if they have any remaining questions.