B. University

Corning to University for the first time can be quite a daunting experience. A person could be faced with finding accommodation, chasing up his grant cheque, wondering how he applies for a top-up loan or even having doubts about the course he's chosen. The Students' Union provides a range of services which can help everyone with any problems he might be having.

Trained student advisers can try and help solve a person's difficulty. If someone is interested in a career in law, advice or social work, then experience as a Rights and Advice volunteer is a valuable qualification.

Problems don't just have to be about welfare matters. Every year some students experience academic problems. They may be unhappy about the course they've chosen or don't get on with their tutor, and will need help and advice. "Rights and Advice" can advise on how to deal with a problem in a student's department or help with arranging a transfer to a different course or col­lege.

It's often said that students are out of touch with the "real world". Those who belong to the Students' Union do all they can to keep their feet firmly rooted in the community. They enjoy strong links with the City Council and other local organizations, and they provide plenty of oppor­tunities to make a practical contribution to the life of their city. Their work in the community covers a spectrum of activities - teaching English to refugees, helping out with groups of physically and mentally disabled people, organising parties for senior citizens, decorating, helping the home­'less, gardening and supporting women and their children in hostels.

The whole student population is changing, as the number of eighteen-year-oIds entering University falls. The Postgraduate and Mature Students' Association represents the interests of older students and helps them with difficulties they may have academically and socially. What bet­ter way to sort out problems than to talk them over with people in the same boat?

One in six students is a postgraduate, studying for a higher degree by research. Some are undertaking programmes leading to professional qualifications in areas like teaching and social work. There are also overseas students. Many universities have established exchange programmes with students from other countries.

Students find time to enjoy themselves. When their exams are over they have a big party.

Outside their studies, they are members of different sports clubs, dancing clubs, and choirs, They find many friends in these societies. From time to time they arrange concerts and musical parties. They say, "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy".

Unit 11

C. Teaching

Colleges of Education provide two-year Courses in teacher education or s6metiI?es three years if the graduate specializes in some particular subject.

Teaching is a profession where people have much freedom to innovate and implement new ideas. There are good opportunities for career development.

Previous experience of working with children is always an advantage. Teachers' training institutions are keen to see that interviewees have visited schools to see how things work for them­selves. In interviewees institutions look in particular for a sense of responsibility, a robust and bal­anced outlook, awareness, sensitivity, enthusiasm and good communication skills. Experience of working with children or young people in a school, youth club or otherwise counts in a person's favour.

Colleges of Education teach an investigative approach. They are interested in the processes of science rather than forcing facts down throats. Links with local schools play an increasingly impor­tant part in the curriculum. Experienced teachers are involved in the planning, supervision, support and assessment of students' practical work in schools, and their training within the institution. 'During school experience, students take part in observation, small group teaching and the tutoring of individuals. They also have the responsibility for organising and planning the work of a whole class and experience class management and control. During teaching practice tutors come in a num­ber of times and see their students' lessons and give them help and tell them where they are going wrong so that they can understand. In their first teaching practice many students cannot even hold the chalk in the hand. Gradually, one becomes more of a teacher. The biggest fear everyone has is discipline - and one only learns by making mistakes. Discipline is an area where a word of advice often comes in useful.

During the first year, one is known as a probationer - fully qualified but still as yet a trainee.

The job gets easier over the years. In the early years, one is concentrating on delivering first class lessons. It is marvellous if one can manage the system to the extent that the teacher does the mini­mum and the students do the maximum. Classroom management is the key to successful teaching. Experienced teachers do not need to spend too much time actually studying the new material, because they've been teaching their subjects for many years. However, they do spend a lot of time thinking about what they're going to do during the lessons and getting things realy beforehand.

Every person should remember that at the heart of good teaching lies genuine respect for the dignity of pupils - when that exists, the whole atmosphere of the classroom and the school changes. It becomes friendly and businesslike.

Life in the classroom is changing fast. New developments in technology, in methodology, and in society at large mean that for today's children, school differs vastly from what their parents , themselves remember. Amidst all this change, the need for bright, committed graduate teachers has never been greater. Teaching becomes dynamic and exciting. This is a young person's chance to be part of it.