Yasuko Sato PERSONAL DETAILS Full name: Yasuko Sato Age: 40 Current occupation: Office clerk Where you live: Funabashi-shi, Chiba JAPAN Your program: University of London External Programme Start date: 4 April 2007 1. CHOOSING PATHWAYS How did you find out about us? was it by accident? were you searching for a philosophy course? By accident, searching What alternatives were you considering at the time? Nothing else What considerations were uppermost in your mind when you decided to apply to Pathways? Full tutorial support for the University of London External Programme and reasonable tuition fee How do you feel about that decision now? Satisfactory 2. STUDY MATERIALS Did you take any of the six Pathways written programs? which one(s)? No How did you find the Pathways study materials? were they too easy, too difficult or just about right? How do the Pathways materials rate in comparison with text books that you have seen or studied? Do you feel that you made the right choice of program, or given the chance would you like to try a different Pathway? why? 3. PATHWAYS WEB SITE How useful have you found the information provided on the Pathways web pages? Very useful How might the content or layout of the Pathways pages be improved? I'm satisfied with as it is. In your view, does the Pathways web site convey an accurate impression of what it is like to study with Pathways? Yes 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 How well, in your view, does the current system of providing mentor interaction work? how would you like to see it improved? Just I need to speed up! How does the tuition you received compare with other philosophy courses you have taken, whether online or face-to-face? I've never taken any other philosophy tuition but I'm very satisfied with its detailed instruction. 5. INTERACTION WITH OTHER STUDENTS Have you ever participated in the Pathways online conferences? No If you did participate, how would you rate the quality of the philosophical discussion? If you did not participate, what kind of conference provision would tempt you to join the conference? Any Would you like to see further opportunities provided for Pathways students to engage in dialogue? do you have any ideas? Yes 6. IMPACT OF STUDYING WITH PATHWAYS What effect, if any, has studying Philosophy with Pathways had on your life? It leads me to the right track to prepare for the examinations of the External Programme. Have you been motivated to continue studying Philosophy after you complete your course? Yes Have you taken another Philosophy course? or do you plan to? Not decided yet What other benefits or consequences have you noticed from studying Philosophy with Pathways? I can see my weak points. 7. FUTURE PROJECTS Do you have any thoughts about future projects which we might undertake? A face-to-face conference/meeting in each country/city Some students have expressed an interest in a conference where Pathways students could meet face-to-face. How do you feel about that idea? Great Would you be prepared to travel to Sheffield to attend a Pathways conference? I'd love to but it's difficult from Japan. 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? It'll be very helpful. 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? No 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? I'd love to but I think it's still early for me. If you have successfully completed a BA degree in Philosophy, would you like to become a Pathways mentor? I'd love to but, again, I think it's still early for me. 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? Flexible, prompt and detailed support for the University of London External Programme and frank comments to let me realise my weak points. 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 Or, is there something in particular you would be prepared to say for publication? **END OF QUESTIONNAIRE** Email info@philosophypathways.com if you would like to comment on this page.