Comments for University Blog

Comment on Staffing – the critical question by Ros

Ros — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:35:41 +0000

Until the government sits down with the universities and begins honest and open discussions, we can only guess at what is in store. They harped on for long enough about the ‘knowledge economy’, but they seem to be very reluctant to engage with those who form a core element of that economy.

Comment on Staffing – the critical question by Vincent

Vincent — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:34:26 +0000

‘the old assumptions’ were shot to hell long ago. So what you are seeing at the moment is the logical progression of the widening of access. Something seen in the Arts and exemplified when the U of Wisconsin Madison televised lectures into multiple theatres. As to the one to one tutorial, these are seen only where numbers were so low that the Death-watch was clicking away, remember Hebrew at Queens.
In some ways I’m sympathetic to Leeds, the Ratios have to be set at a level decided to be acceptable and Nailed at that point. But there cannot be this never ending push to attain Oxbridge level. Four to One seems reasonable for tutorials, but anything above ten, well I’ve attended lectures with less than fifteen.
Over the weekend Eircom has extracted the digit so I was able to watch the Choir competition. These were all -those that I’ve seen- fee paying. They had a ratio of 15:1, a number that second level in my area could only dream. Given that the exchequer inputs are considerable. I think it is way past time that the state subsidises such education, all such education.

Comment on ‘Employment control’ in the universities by steve

steve — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:32:02 +0000

higher education is not all about the papers and grades it is all about optimizing the knowledge you have to everydaylife

Comment on Searching for witches by Andrew E

Andrew E — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:55:23 +0000

For anyone interested in the whole McCarthy debacle I recommend the documentary “The Trials of J. Robert Oppenheimer” and the drama “Good Night, and Good Luck” which portray different aspects of the trials.

Comment on Searching for witches by kevin denny

kevin denny — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:31:38 +0000

I never realised my colleagues in the Foundation for Fiscal Studies were a bunch of commies.

Comment on Judging the writer: in defence of Gordon Brown by Brad

Brad — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:27:52 +0000

The Sun just published Gordon Brown’s letter for sales and sensationalism. It worked just Google, Dyslexia.

They should know he is dyslexic, do they not have reporters?
The Sun must think the public is daft. Well I’m not daft but I’m dyslexic and proud to be so.

It seems that some of the public still think that a dyslexic is just “thick” (a word used it a few comments to the Sun article)
So we have come far, our humanity.

I do have trouble with B’s, D’s, Q’s and P’s.
The alphabet and numbers are really hieroglyphics, normally a child will sort out by 7 or 8, along with which hand to use, left or right, sequence of event or tasks.
I do not care anymore if I misspell or the 3 is an E or an E is a 3. I will try to correct my self and IF I can still NOT see the mistake well so be it.
I 4 Apps on my computer to share and make my thoughts and writing readable, If I have someone to proof read then good, if not. That is all you get.

So to the Sun thanks for looking “thick” and under minding the public, your readers.
For a story, I think not.
Nothing like riding the skirt tails of a grieving parent.
Shame on you.
The Sun have failed and neglected to report a story of integrity, honesty and factually.
What The Sun has reported is they are willing to print half truth for their bottom line, money.

Is dyslexic a new word to them if so here are a few ways to spell it. Dysleic Disleux Dsyleic dsylexi.

Is this story about Gordon Brown?

This story is about the loss of a child and a parent’s grieve. It is demanding a reason, an explanation on why.
A child lost in war defending his country.
I do hope that Ms Janes has family and friends for support and comfort. I have not lost a child but I do have children. My hart hurts just at the thought of loss.
To Jamie Janes family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

So put Dyslexia a side, left or right it makes no difference to me.

A sad day for journalism, you failed , all of us.

Comment on The Irish short story by JK Fowler

JK Fowler — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:51:58 +0000

Hi there. Thought you might be interested in this: http://jkfowler.com/2009/11/14/feather-figure/ . Cheers, JK

Comment on Snuffing out academic eccentricity by kevin denny

kevin denny — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:58:30 +0000

So we’re all agreed that its results that count and if if he is a good teacher, even with his back to the audience, thats fine & dandy. However why should this guy alone be subject to strutiny? I teach facing the class and the university has never and probably will never conduct an investigation into my teaching. But that doesn’t mean it should not.
I am sure there are teachers & lecturers who are not very good, some because they don’t try,some try but are just not that good. Just like any other profession.
The challenge is to identify such individuals and help them without some adversarial system of witch-hunts.

Comment on And the Newcastle show rolls on by motorolafans

motorolafans — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:20:04 +0000

Ya will be waiting…….

Comment on Searching for witches by Vincent

Vincent — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:18:44 +0000

A Few years ago John Bowman described a meeting of the Irish Communist Party. Two from the CIA, two from special branch, one each from MI5 and MI6 reflecting the ambiguous nature, two reporting back to the Archbishop. Remembering that most meetings were in camera and small, about five people tops. It would seem that being a Communist in Ireland was an well payed profession. As with America, here the furthest left would be a Liberal leaning Trade Unionist. Charlie Chaplin, FFS, a Communist.