Ruth DeVall PERSONAL DETAILS Full name: Ruth A DeVall Age: 63 Current occupation: retired Where you live: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire Your program: Introduction to Philosophy Start date: April 2005 1. CHOOSING PATHWAYS How did you find out about us? was it by accident? were you searching for a philosophy course? Websearch for beginners course What alternatives were you considering at the time? The Open University What considerations were uppermost in your mind when you decided to apply to Pathways? Cost, and more informal, less time pressured programme than that offered by the O.U. How do you feel about that decision now? These issues still apply 2. STUDY MATERIALS Did you take any of the six Pathways written programs? which one(s)? The Possible World Machine, Unit One How did you find the Pathways study materials? were they too easy, too difficult or just about right? About right, but I was hoping for a little more basic structure/instruction in Philosophy, rather than starting off with abstract ideas. How do the Pathways materials rate in comparison with text books that you have seen or studied? Having studied with The Open University I found their Philosophy Courses really well structured, leading the student gently from beginnings to more abstract philosophical issues.For me they are the best I have worked with, but I didn't want to commit to the tight workload of a degree course at that particular time. Do you feel that you made the right choice of program, or given the chance would you like to try a different Pathway? why? Sadly for the reasons stated and a minor health concern I was not able to go ahead with the Pathways course at that particular time. 3. PATHWAYS WEB SITE How useful have you found the information provided on the Pathways web pages? Very good How might the content or layout of the Pathways pages be improved? I did not make enough use of them due to discontinuing the course to make a valid critical comment 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? Geoffrey Klempner Are you generally happy with the interaction and feedback that you have have received from your mentor? Yes — what little experience I had How well, in your view, does the current system of providing mentor interaction work? how would you like to see it improved? I did not stay with the course long enough to comment How does the tuition you received compare with other philosophy courses you have taken, whether online or face-to-face? My only other experience is with The Open University, which is excellent 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? N/A If you did not participate, what kind of conference provision would tempt you to join the conference? I have no experience of online conferences, but should I take up the course again I would be willing to try if it was user friendly Would you like to see further opportunities provided for Pathways students to engage in dialogue? do you have any ideas? Only local groups if there were enough students in any one area 6. IMPACT OF STUDYING WITH PATHWAYS What effect, if any, has studying Philosophy with Pathways had on your life? N/A Have you been motivated to continue studying Philosophy after you complete your course? N/A Have you taken another Philosophy course? or do you plan to? I would like to in the future What other benefits or consequences have you noticed from studying Philosophy with Pathways? N/A 7. FUTURE PROJECTS Do you have any thoughts about future projects which we might undertake? A real beginners course please, a little more structured such as those provided by the O.U. course books Some students have expressed an interest in a conference where Pathways students could meet face-to-face. How do you feel about that idea? Good idea Would you be prepared to travel to Sheffield to attend a Pathways conference? Possibly! 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? Excellent idea 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? Sorry, not at present 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? N/A If you have successfully completed a BA degree in Philosophy, would you like to become a Pathways mentor? N/A — but if I had, then yes. 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? More positive than negative How would you summarize the reasons for your assessment? The particular course did not appear absolutely right for me at that particular time. I was, however, very interested in the reading material sent to me and would like to give attempt the course or a similar one in the future 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.