Cold v. Prepared Seminar

Whenever a piece is discussed in class, we usually use seminar format, in which two separate sessions keep a conversation about the piece going according to key points or questions. In terms of seminars, there are two types: a cold seminar and a prepared seminar. Both end up in lengthy discussions, but which is better? Personally, I prefer the cold seminar. I enjoy reading through the piece and finding the deeper meaning in a quick manner, rather than having everyone find it as they active read over night. The prepared seminars usually contain more analysis, but it feels robotic because everyone is always looking for the same rhetorical features. When a deep analysis or revelation is made during a cold seminar, the reaction is much more satisfactory and entertaining because the time of thought taken to dwell upon this is shorter. Therefore, the class gets hit harder; this also helps with quick analysis that is useful on AP exams and standardized testing that involves reading and analysis. When I leave class after a cold read in which I actively participate, I feel much more accomplished, whereas when I leave after discussing a piece from the previous night, I feel all that has happened is a homework review. In this, I would enjoy more cold read seminars to prepared seminars.