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The Common

2nd September 1966
Page 84
Page 84, 2nd September 1966 — The Common
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

RBy George Wilmot oomLecturer in Transport Studies, University of London

THE VALUE OF DISCUSSION IN CLASS

studying for the various examination awards in road transport, some pupils are faced with a choice of attending a class undertaking a course through a correspondence college. At it sight the correspondence course would appear to have some vantages. There is no need to turn out weekly, almost inevitably the winter evenings with lengthy journeys, to attend a class; d no need to make special arrangements when work would rrnally intervene on the evening in question. It is theoretically ssible, also, to work at one's own pace throughout the months preparation for the examination instead of following the npo of the lecturer taking a class. The teaching notes appear avoid the necessity for taking one's own notes and progress

n be measured by the essays written which are returned with mments.

A closer look at the choice reveals that it is nearly always st, where possible, to enrol in a class. This is not in any way attempt to deprecate the work of correspondence courses, ice they do provide an excellent lifeline for those who live o far from a class centre or who cannot attend for a variety other compelling reasons. A correspondence course is never tended to compete with a "live" class, as the latter has so any innate advantages.

Studying by correspondence is a lonely, and often frustrating, isiness. Direct contact with a lecturer taking a class is of imense value in that difficulties can be resolved as they occur during the progress of the course. Even more important is the fellowship gained from mixing with other members of the class or group. This weekly contact with others following the same subjects with similar objectives is a part of the process of study which should not be missed.

Talking over common problems, either formally or informally, serves as a guide to one's own progress—it is always extremely gratifying, for example, to discover others finding a section of the course as difficult as oneself. Class membership broadens ideas and concepts and gradually banishes the rather myopic views held about one's own bus company or haulage concern.

If all the advantages of personal contact are enjoyed in a class, study can be transformed from a weary slog into a really enjoyable pursuit. Unfortunately, not all lecturers grasp the opportunities available for fellowship in a class and often spend too much time giving out information, thus relegating discussion to a few minutes of random questions. Too few lecturers have had any real training in how to persuade members of a group to talk about their problems and many are often deficient in applying the techniques of conducting a discussion.

I look forward to a time when lecturers taking road transport courses will have had some training in these principles. To miss out on one of the essentials of group study is a serious matter.

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Organisations: University of London
People: George Wilmot

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