Kay Critchett PERSONAL DETAILS Full name: Kathleen Critchett Age: 73 Current occupation: Retired teacher Where you live: UK — Wales Your program: Philosophy of Mind Start date: 2007 1. CHOOSING PATHWAYS How did you find out about us? was it by accident? were you searching for a philosophy course? I was half looking for a way of studying Philosophy again, but was not ready to take on a degree course. I found out about Pathways through Tim le Bons article in Philosophers Magazine. What alternatives were you considering at the time? I was not actively considering anything, just looking round. What considerations were uppermost in your mind when you decided to apply to Pathways? The design of the courses, and the level of individual tuition. How do you feel about that decision now? It was a good one. 2. STUDY MATERIALS Did you take any of the six Pathways written programs? which one(s)? Possible Worlds. Metaphysics. Philosophy of Mind How did you find the Pathways study materials? were they too easy, too difficult or just about right? They were right obviously the level of difficulty varied. How do the Pathways materials rate in comparison with text books that you have seen or studied? The Pathways courses have a lot more of the writer in them than the usual text book: they are more imaginative. Do you feel that you made the right choice of program, or given the chance would you like to try a different Pathway? why? As I had some knowledge of the subject I knew what I was choosing. 3. PATHWAYS WEB SITE How useful have you found the information provided on the Pathways web pages? I used them a lot, especially when I was thinking of signing up. How might the content or layout of the Pathways pages be improved? I don't have an opinion on this. In your view, does the Pathways web site convey an accurate impression of what it is like to study with Pathways? Yes, I think so. 4. INTERACTION WITH YOUR MENTOR Who is/ was your Pathways mentor? Dr Klempner Are you generally happy with the interaction and feedback that you have have received from your mentor? Yes. Very much tailored to my needs and suggesting further reading that might interest m How well, in your view, does the current system of providing mentor interaction work? how would you like to see it improved? I think it works well. I have received much more detailed and lengthy comment than I expected. I think probably the major drawback is people like me who don't feed back enough. How does the tuition you received compare with other philosophy courses you have taken, whether online or face-to-face? My undergraduate experience of Philosophy was taking notes in lecture rooms. There were only four of us doing second and third year Philosophy, yet the department continued grimly with the We talk you listen tradition. There hadn't been a First in years. Yet the subject hooked me, and I keep coming back. 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? Would you like to see further opportunities provided for Pathways students to engage in dialogue? do you have any ideas? 6. IMPACT OF STUDYING WITH PATHWAYS What effect, if any, has studying Philosophy with Pathways had on your life? Its taught me a lot and changed my reading, and given me some ambitions as well. 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? I would like to go on to Associate and Fellowship. What other benefits or consequences have you noticed from studying Philosophy with Pathways? 7. FUTURE PROJECTS Do you have any thoughts about future projects which we might undertake? A small project: I felt with the Metaphysics course that a brief glossary would have been helpful, especially to someone starting the subject for the first time and confronted with a new vocabulary. Some students have expressed an interest in a conference where Pathways students could meet face-to-face. How do you feel about that idea? It seems a natural extension of the Pathways programmes. Would you be prepared to travel to Sheffield to attend a Pathways conference? In theory, yes. 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? I think that is a good idea a source of encouragement to students. 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 to both. 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? Not at the moment. 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. I am full of admiration for the courses I have taken. How would you summarize the reasons for your assessment? The courses were interesting, thought provoking and taught me a lot. The extensive comments on my work taught me to be precise and careful about what I said and how I said. 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? 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.