What is a colloquium?
For starters, it is important to know that colloquium means a communicative interaction.
That is: a conversation or a dialogue between two or more people.
This will help you to understand and delimit the purpose of a colloquium within specific contexts.
So, a colloquium will always mean an event that seeks to promote a space for conversations between participants.
What is an academic colloquium?
An academic colloquium is a scientific event whose main objective is to promote an environment of conversations between participants on a specific topic . Another objective may be to make some decision with the help of participants.
Who participates in academic colloquia are. in general, researchers , undergraduate and graduate students and professionals who are interested in the subject. And this is an important point: the greater the commitment of those who participate, the more qualified are the results of the colloquium.
How do colloquiums take place?
The theme of the colloquium is always specific and this decision precedes the beginning of the event. After all, it is the theme that will guide the colloquium script and will define the target audience.
The dynamics of a colloquium vary: it can take place in a more traditional way, in which there is a person to speak and present the topic and then a discussion; or else in direct format of debates.
The program of the colloquiums can also include the presentation of academic works , such as scientific articles , for example, to show recent discoveries on the subject.
In the case of colloquia to decide on issues, the dynamics can also vary: there can be open discussions in a large group or the division of participants into small groups.
How long does it last?
In general, a colloquium lasts an average of 1 day, which is divided between debates and conclusions.
Why is it important to participate in a colloquium?
As with other academic events, colloquiums serve to discuss and present news on a specific topic.
So they bring together a large number of researchers, teachers and students to disseminate, discuss and share ideas on the topic.
Participation in a colloquium is not necessarily linked to the need to present a work or publish an article. You can simply participate to listen and find out more about the topic.
Let’s list the main benefits. I’m sure I’ll convince you to participate in one:
Enrich the Lattes Curriculum
Even simply participating as an observer in a colloquium generates a certificate of participation.
However, the certificate of participation in an event has a lower score than the certificate of presentation of work.
In any case, certificates help to enhance the Lattes Curriculum and can be important factors in highlighting students.
Get news and important points about the topic
A colloquium is a great place to find out about what’s going on around that topic, who are the people who are researching and writing about it, and what the latest findings are.
This is very important, especially in the face of so much content and information that we receive. If we were to search the topic on Google Scholar , for example, it is possible that the result will offer trillions of different works .
So, the colloquia are important to filter information and direct the gaze to what is most important in scientific research .
Favor communication between researchers
Furthermore, as I said before, it is a place to promote dialogue and discussion. Often in small groups. This greatly favors communication.
In other words, they help to develop networking and give the opportunity to talk about specific areas.
Even because, it is possible that the colloquium brings together all the people who are interested in the topic, but who carry out research in different places, to talk about that specific subject.
Develop new scientific knowledge
And as if that were not enough, the results of the colloquiums can bring important conclusions on the themes and generate new ideas to continue the research.
So, it is an important way to develop scientific knowledge and advance in science .
Direct career to specialty
The events also help students to direct their careers towards a specialty, with more specialized sectors in their area.
If you suspect that you will enjoy working in an area, you can participate in a specific event on the subject and find out how it is applied in practice, what is new, and how research on the subject is developed.
This can help you to define the area you want to pursue within the course.
For example, if you are studying Law and are interested in Labor Law, you can participate in a colloquium and get in touch with the latest research on this subject.
So, you can find out if it is an area that you want to continue studying and specializing or not.
