David Woon PERSONAL DETAILS Full name: David Woon Age: 33 Current occupation: R&D Manager Where you live: Sengkang, Singapore Your program: Fellowship + Pathways (Program A) course Start date: May 2003 1. CHOOSING PATHWAYS How did you find out about us? was it by accident? were you searching for a philosophy course? Yes, I was searching for a philosophy course by correspondence, and found Pathways through Google. What alternatives were you considering at the time? None. What considerations were uppermost in your mind when you decided to apply to Pathways? The course content, time flexibility as well as the award of a proper certificate. How do you feel about that decision now? I've made the right choice because it opened my mind to the fascinating world of Philosophy in an interesting and convenient way! 2. STUDY MATERIALS Did you take any of the six Pathways written programs? which one(s)? Program A How did you find the Pathways study materials? were they too easy, too difficult or just about right? The difficulty level was just right — but I would prefer more content in terms of history and a systematic analysis of the writings of key philosophers on that particular topic. How do the Pathways materials rate in comparison with text books that you have seen or studied? They are more readable but lack a systematic approach. 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 would like to try out Program E — Moral Philosophy because I've since discovered that I prefer more practical than abstract concepts — concepts that affect our day-to-day living. 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? No comments. 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! How well, in your view, does the current system of providing mentor interaction work? how would you like to see it improved? We should somehow meet up at least once a year — at least this would "urge" me to work harder for my assignments! How does the tuition you received compare with other philosophy courses you have taken, whether online or face-to-face? Somehow, I find face-to-face interactions more engaging... 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? Some form of recognition? Would you like to see further opportunities provided for Pathways students to engage in dialogue? do you have any ideas? Perhaps through blogs/forums? 6. IMPACT OF STUDYING WITH PATHWAYS What effect, if any, has studying Philosophy with Pathways had on your life? I began to see life in a different light — I'm more probing towards various BIG questions about Life. Have you been motivated to continue studying Philosophy after you complete your course? I guess I will... Have you taken another Philosophy course? or do you plan to? I'm now taking a short 8-week course on Western Philosophy. What other benefits or consequences have you noticed from studying Philosophy with Pathways? A sharper mind... 7. FUTURE PROJECTS Do you have any thoughts about future projects which we might undertake? Nope. Some students have expressed an interest in a conference where Pathways students could meet face-to-face. How do you feel about that idea? Sounds great! The venue could be changed from time-to-time and the students in the host country would have the privilege of organising the conference. Would you be prepared to travel to Sheffield to attend a Pathways conference? Perhaps, given enough advanced notice... 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? Good 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? You can check out my blogs — some entries are philosophical in nature... 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? Not at the moment... If you have successfully completed a BA degree in Philosophy, would you like to become a Pathways mentor? I hope so! 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 course is informative, interesting & flexible! 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? Sure! 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.