Diane Forest-Hill PERSONAL DETAILS Full name: Diane Forest-Hill Age: 45 Current occupation: Casino Cashier Where you live: Southampton Your program: Introduction to Philosophy Start date: October 2008 1. CHOOSING PATHWAYS How did you find out about us? was it by accident? were you searching for a philosophy course? Originally through Philosophy Now magazine, later returned through previous experience. What alternatives were you considering at the time? I was looking for a part-time evening or day course locally. There isn't anything. If it doesn't have an NVQ attached, it isn't worth doing apparently What considerations were uppermost in your mind when you decided to apply to Pathways? Dedicated to the subject, cost, course lay out, being able to study at my own pace, dedicated website How do you feel about that decision now? I'm still happy with this online resource, although I would have preferred to have found a "land-based" course with the opportunity to engage in real-time discussion. 2. STUDY MATERIALS Did you take any of the six Pathways written programs? which one(s)? I started Philosophy of Mind a few years ago but due to a bereavement did not complete the course. I'm now starting at the beginning and taking Introduction to Philosophy How did you find the Pathways study materials? were they too easy, too difficult or just about right? They weren't what I was expecting at first. I think I'd expected extracts from "the usual suspects". The question lists however offer a great choice. How do the Pathways materials rate in comparison with text books that you have seen or studied? They are another, different resource. Less dry than some texts, more comprehensible than many, and entertaining. Do you feel that you made the right choice of program, or given the chance would you like to try a different Pathway? why? I think I've made the right choice. I needed more focus in my reading of philosophical works because there are so many. The Pathways materials combined with the essay lists are helping me to gain that focus. The suggestions for further reading in feedback emails is also helping to broaden that focus. 3. PATHWAYS WEB SITE How useful have you found the information provided on the Pathways web pages? I haven't often looked at the Pathways Site since having a look at the courses and resources available through Pathways. I'm a bit old-fashioned and like books. Is there a forum, other than the Q&A pages, and the off-site conference? How might the content or layout of the Pathways pages be improved? A forum might be nice, if there isn't one already. I don't remember seeing one on previous visits. In your view, does the Pathways web site convey an accurate impression of what it is like to study with Pathways? It certainly has plenty of information about what study opportunities are available either with or in conjunction with Pathways. 4. INTERACTION WITH YOUR MENTOR Who is/ was your Pathways mentor? Dr Geoffrey Klempner Are you generally happy with the interaction and feedback that you have have received from your mentor? Yes. Although I'm not sure if I am making the most of this resource. I do have questions come up but choose to try to find the answers for myself first. So far the feedback I've received has been very encouraging. How well, in your view, does the current system of providing mentor interaction work? how would you like to see it improved? As above, I don't feel I've utilised the system perhaps as much as is possible, but I have done so as much as I have felt it to be necessary up to now. Geoffrey comes back with his responses readily. I have no complaints. How does the tuition you received compare with other philosophy courses you have taken, whether online or face-to-face? The only comment I have here is a general one which I've made earlier, that the thing lacking in online study of any kind, but particularly in philosophy, is the face-to-face, or perhaps in internet terms, "real-time" discussion. 5. INTERACTION WITH OTHER STUDENTS Have you ever participated in the Pathways online conferences? Yes. In one debate so far. If you did participate, how would you rate the quality of the philosophical discussion? It's hard to tell. I've only engaged in one discussion so far which seemed to "hang" a bit and I haven't visited the conference for a while. It is interesting to observe the degrees of intensity with which people engage in and with philosophy. The people I was engaging with were friendly and welcoming and it is both interesting and stimulating to receive other people's ideas and points of view. If you did not participate, what kind of conference provision would tempt you to join the conference? Am I allowed to play the "real-time" card again? Would you like to see further opportunities provided for Pathways students to engage in dialogue? do you have any ideas? Please see above. Are there any plans for an open university style residential week or weekend? 6. IMPACT OF STUDYING WITH PATHWAYS What effect, if any, has studying Philosophy with Pathways had on your life? It has focused my thinking certainly in terms of writing about philosophy. I am becoming better able to argue philosophical points which is not the same thing as arguing a point of view at all! It is also having the effect I'v heard about, of clarifying my thinking when I come up against a problem, and how to think around the problem. The Pathways course in particular, because of the apparently informal nature of the material, has allowed me to think more creatively rather than getting anxious about logic. It seems logic can be creative. Have you been motivated to continue studying Philosophy after you complete your course? I want to study philosophy for the rest of my life. I would like to get paid for doing philosophy! Have you taken another Philosophy course? or do you plan to? As before, I did start Philosophy of Mind some years ago, curtailed by the effects of a bereavement. I keep thinking I would like to do a philosophy degree but doubt my ability to commit the time as it would have to be part-time study and I also have a busy life. At the moment, the Pathways courses suit me. What other benefits or consequences have you noticed from studying Philosophy with Pathways? Some of the people I work with seem to think I'm "insane" or that I "think too much"(their words, not mine). That's fine by me! 7. FUTURE PROJECTS Do you have any thoughts about future projects which we might undertake? Would it be possible to expand the number of Pathways? Suggested extra-curricular reading lists, perhaps? David Hume seems to come up quite a bit. Perhaps suggested other philosophers who deal with the topic being discussed. Some students have expressed an interest in a conference where Pathways students could meet face-to-face. How do you feel about that idea? Well, look what I've just come across!!! Yes, please! Would you be prepared to travel to Sheffield to attend a Pathways conference? Yes, would love to. Please could I have plenty of notice in order to book the time off. Currently, there are two free Pathways e-journals, Philosophy Pathways and Philosophy for Business. What are your thoughts about a third journal dedicated to publishing the best examples of course work by Pathways students? Sure, why not 8. CONTRIBUTING TO PATHWAYS Do you have any thoughts about possible articles for Philosophy Pathways or Philosophy for Business? Or have you already written a piece that you could send us? Have you have successfully completed the ISFP Associate or Fellowship Awards, or the first year of the University of London Diploma or BA in Philosophy? If so, would you like to join the panel of Ask a Philosopher? If you have successfully completed a BA degree in Philosophy, would you like to become a Pathways mentor? 9. GENERAL ASSESSMENT In the most general terms, how would you rate your experience with Pathways: Strongly positive? More positive than negative? About equal? More negative than positive? Strongly negative? Strongly positive How would you summarize the reasons for your assessment? I'm getting great feedback. I seem to be doing better than I'd expected which is keeping my interest not only alive but growing. And getting a lot of useful extra information and suggested reading which was one of the reasons I wanted to do a philosophy course in the first place. Doing the course has also helped my own thinking and how I look at and deal with life in general. 10. PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE YOUR COMMENTS Are you prepared to allow us to reproduce any of your comments above, under your name, on the Pathways web site? Yes, that's fine. Or, is there something in particular you would be prepared to say for publication? Who would like to meet for coffee? **END OF QUESTIONNAIRE** Email info@philosophypathways.com if you would like to comment on this page.