In a reflective essay for my HETC coursework I considered why students enrol on part-time geology courses. This is because as a tutor I felt it was important to understand the motivation to learn geology.

In April 2002 I wrote:

I ask myself - why do the students attend my courses? The answer to that seems to be that they have an interest in the subject.

I ask myself a second question - when there are more detailed books available in bookshops and my own lecture notes freely available on the World Wide Web - what is the advantage in coming to a class? There seem to be several possible answers to this question, including:

• It is an opportunity to ask an "expert" about the bits that are hard to understand.
• The course offers a "hands on" experiences that the written material cannot provide.
• It gets the student out of the house, provides "entertainment" and the chance to make new friends.
• It can answer specific subject needs for the student that are not available in the literature - especially local knowledge.
• The assessment in the course can provide a goal to motivate the student to study.
• It provides a taster of University-style education.

The questionnaire and replies:

To geology C.L.L. U.F.A. students.

I am studying for a Higher Education Teaching Certificate at present and would appreciate your help by answering the following questions. I will use the results anonymously in a portfolio I am compiling. If you would like to read that part of the portfolio I will put it on my web-site - http://walk.to/zen in October 2002.

This survey is not asking you opinion of any particular geology course or of my courses in general. I am interested to know why you study geology, what you expect from the courses and any problems you have experienced as an adult learner. I hope that your answers will help me to deliver a better learning experience in the future. Please note - There are no "correct" answers to these questions.

[Student replies are arranged in the order that they were received.]

Why do/did you choose to enrol on geology Life Long Learning courses? (Your reasons do not have to be academic!)

To learn more about the practical side of geology.
I had become interested in Geology as a hobby and wanted to know more.
(no reply)
...I needed more information (greater depth) than received at school and my long outdated degree studies.
General leisure interest, particularly the fieldwork aspect [of geology].
Personal development and a beginner's interest in rocks.
I have often wondered about the landscape that we all see around us. As a rambler, I encounter many different rock formations and always wanted to know the various processes.
I thought it would be helpful in my archaeological work and possible future studies.
Generally interested in Natural History and 'earth science'.
Interest & career.
These courses were just about right because I am not able to concentrate for long periods at a time.
It was to enhance my understanding of the environment. Also I have covered many of the Arts courses and wanted to try something scientific as a change.
To learn more about geology. To gain a [University] Library card.
I've always had an interest in rocks and wanted to understand a bit more.
To gain a better understanding of rocks and landforms in order to study the geology of Yorkshire - in particular the Wharfedale area of the Yorkshire Dales.
I enjoy Geography and love collecting stones.
For interest and for the University Foundation Award.
 

Which course(s) have you attended?

Fieldwork techniques.
Fossils;Rocks and minerals; Dynamic Earth; Fossils through the microscope; Rocks and minerals through the microscope; Geological mapping; In search of the Yorkshire dinosaur; in search of the Yorkshire ice age; Geology of the North York Moors; Geology of the Wolds.
Dynamic Earth & Investigating Geology around Hull.
Microfossils; minerals and rocks; through the microscope; minerals and rocks; collecting rocks minerals and fossils; dynamic earth.
Fieldwork techniques.
[no reply]
Many including: Rocks and minerals; Dynamic Earth; Fieldwork techniques; Through the microscope; geology around Hull.
Tracing Tropical Yorkshire; Geological recording.
3 annual 10 week courses at York University and 4 at Hull University.
Fossils through the microscope; geological map; and others.
Fossils; minerals and rocks; rocks and minerals through the microscope; Dynamic Earth; geology around Hull.
Thomas Hardy the poet; American short stories; Fossils, Rocks in thin section.
Palaeotology.
Collecting rocks, minerals & fossils; dynamic earth.
[13 geology courses listed]
Rocks and minerals.
Rocks and minerals.
 

What did you like best about course(s)?

Talking about the subject and learning new skills.
Practical fieldwork and being able to use equipment like microscopes, petrological microscopes etc not usually available.
Good presentation - slide shows etc. Chance to see plenty of specimens and textbooks. Wide choice of field trips for practical work.
Learning was the primary aim and interest, but meeting others similar, greater or lesser levels of knowledge was invaluable. Availability of equipment for study. Access to academic library.
The fieldwork, particularly the investigative work.
Fieldwork opportunities. Practical opportunities.
Having lectured material available for perusal in the cabinets.
I learnt a bit about a vast subject.
Opportunity to communicate with 'like minded' students and the tutor of course. Field trips.
Nice mix of introductory material with field trips.
[no reply]
To be able to use the specimens in the University collection was a joy. Also the availability of a specialised microscope was something which would not normally be accessible to a lay person
Insights into the professional and scientific study of fossils &c..
The field trips & looking at specimens in the classroom.
Tutors enjoyed taking the courses. Free discussion. Use of colour slides and overhead projections. Field Trips. Met new friends.
Being able to see the difference in minerals and the different types of rocks and how they came about.
The Earth Science and theory.
 

What did you like least about the course(s)?

Travel.
Some of the other students were a bit frustrating. Not being able to progress to more advance levels.
[dates of] Field trips did not fit in with my other hobbies and interests.
Some of lectures lack vigour, but 90% have been sound. Lack of availability of modern tools for examination of rocks, minerals and fossils.
[no reply]
[no reply]
Timing - difficult to concentrate after a hard day at work.
I really need to get to grips with the JARGON, as it is essential to both understanding and communicating Geology.
Drawing rocks and other specimens. Lack of discussion among students.
Only having 2 hours contact time in the Earth Science Labs - it should be made longer.
[no reply]
[no reply]
Drawing badly.
Sometimes it's difficult to concentrate in a classroom after a full day at work.
Can't think of anything!
The bits I didn't understand, i.e. technical terms (which the tutor made easier for us).
[no reply]
 

What did you expect of the tutor?

To share his expertise.
To be able to answer any questions I had. To increase my levels of knowledge and skills, to be interesting and present the information in clear ways.
No more that what was provided.
That he was knowledgeable to a greater degree than I was. That he encouraged discussion in class. That he made the subject interesting enough to want to take it further by reading, fieldwork, etc.
Basic Geology, then assistance during the fieldwork - as was provided.
Encouragement. Information at differing levels.
Knowledge of subject matter and ability to deliver to a class of various abilities.
I expected more teaching/explaining about the systems of naming, more guidance on which formations/beds we were looking at and more explanation of how detailed a piece of work is expected.
Knowledge, understanding, guidance, enthusiasm and communication.
Guidance and constructive criticism & of course a knowledge of his subject.
[no reply]
To guide study and recommend books - to show scientific approaches to learning - and recording findings.
An expert introduction to the subject.
To give me a better understanding of the subject & take the time to answer my questions.
Had an open mind at first. Both tutors subsequently excellent!
To be taught something I didn't know and keep me interested. I got both.
To be very helpful.
 

What have you achieved?

A better practical understanding.
My geological knowledge has increased considerably, I am now confident enough to lead field trips myself.
A general understanding of geology.
Apart from several certificates from the university, I have achieved a basic understanding, sufficient to understand specialist lectures, to interpret basic field structures and appreciate the relevance of geology in our development and earth's development.
Basic knowledge/understanding of geology.
An ongoing interest in geology.
More understanding than I originally had.
A slightly better grasp of the nomenclature/systems etc.
Much clearer appreciation of the processes through which the Earth developed and how life forms evolved.
Passed in the courses, satisfactory intro. so I can carry it on further (geology that is).
It has helped me to understand more about the fossils and minerals I find on my field trips.
Now, when out and about, such as in Oakham recently I can appreciate the rocks that have been used in buildings. There were also clear fossils within them. I have been in the Science Museum many times but only recently did I appreciate the wonderful floor.
A better informed and more scientific interest in the subject.
I know a bit more about rocks & fossils & am able to ro recognise more about land formations when I am out & about!
University Foundation Award. Personal project [for the award].
A new insight into the nature of the earth and its chemistry.
A better understanding of geology.
 

Have you taken your study of geology further after the course(s)? If so how?

Studying OU S260 and would like to become a geologist.
I am a member of Hull Geological Society and have also attended field meetings organised by other bodies. I have a considerable library at home for self study in areas I am interested in.
I have started to take a deeper interest in the landscape of the countryside ... [and] gemstones, especially green ones!
Attended several study weeks/weekends (Scotland. Pennines, Balerics). Read widely on History of geology, and on the geology of parts of the world visited. Joined geological Societies.
Not yet
[no reply]
Yes, I have enrolled for Earth Science degree with O.U. as a direct consequence of the evening classes.
Only in a general way i.e. related to archaeology.
Setting up a U3A discussion group on 'understanding landscapes'. Visiting U.K. & foreign sites of geological interest. Books & web sites.
Applied for a geology M.Sc. course.
Yes, I am now able to take part and discuss a lot about fossils with people who are just starting to learn about geology.
Yes. I visited the Geology galleries in the Science Museum and have used the internet to find information.
Yes, by amateur local field trips and collection of specimens.
No.
Joined Hull Geological Society, continue to examine the geology of Wharfedale whenever trips can be made. Now studying Local History. Will continue with Archaeology and Landscape.
I have not finished the course yet.
By taking a further course.
 

What difficulties (if any) did you have to overcome in the course(s)? Was the tutor helpful?

No major difficulties.
None.
None really.
No major difficulties. Yes, the tutors have been very helpful.
[No reply]
Yes.
No difficulties to overcome. Tutor always helpful and his enthusiasm of subject matter is contagious. Delivers classes in a fun, friendly manner. Preparation is very evident in numerous handouts and over-heads.
No specific difficulties. It seems more like a society than a class!
None.
Essays in a field where I have no experience.
Meeting people. Coping with not being able to read or write very fast, also understanding what I read.
I joined a course on which many students had already completed a section and I had to learn the basics to help me understand the lab. work. The tutor came around and ensured that I was working correctly. There were graded expectations of results according to students' prior knowledge.
Putting aside earlier misconceptions. The tutor was very helpful.
Finding the motivation to do homework - but this always was a problem!
None in particular. Both tutors explained the subject well.
None. The tutor simplified and clarified; told us what was really important to this course.
The practical side, such as learning to understand the rocks & minerals through a hand lens. The tutor was very helpful and understanding.
 

What is you educational background?

(No reply)
B.A. Honours.
ONC + HNC
B. Sc. in metallurgy.
Degree.
Masters degree and PGCE.
B.Sc. and M..Sc.
2:1 Honours degree.
Left school at 17 and then spent 38 years in accounting!
B.Sc. & Ph.D.
Special School and agricultural college.
Teacher's Certificate, B A degree, Diploma in Education.
Law degree and professional qualification.
B.A degree and post-grad Diploma.
'O' levels. Master Mariner.
Left school at 16 with no qualifications
Engineering background.
 

Discussion:

The aim of the questionnaire was to find the students' motivation for attending the courses and what they did afterwards. Most respondents studied to deepen their existing interest.

In replies to questions about their likes and dislikes: students liked the fieldwork and practicals, expected the tutor to be knowledgeable and enthusiastic and dislikes were varied but seemed to centre around the problems of part-time learning (e.g. after a day's work; conflicts with other demands on time; sometimes frustrations with a mixed ability class).

I also included questions about the problems they faced, with disabilities in mind. This was only a small sample so would have predicted that there would not be many problems recorded.

It would seem that most students enrolling on the course are motivated by a wish to find out more about the subject, though some also want  to gain a qualification. They appreciate the opportunity to do practical work, fieldwork and meet like-minded people. The students are generally well motivated by the subject, but some struggle to find the time for personal study outside the meetings. They expect the tutor to be enthusiastic and knowledgeable; some expect an "expert".

Marlow Ediger (2002) points out that a positive attitude to science is important for a successful science teacher. He goes on to list the attributes of a good science teacher:
Personality, adaptability (responding to the needs of the students), knowledgeable about the subject, sympathetic (wanting the students to fulfill their potential), tactful (able to deal with distractions and disruptions), open to new ideas, enthusiasm, understands the learning process, understands the teaching process, classroom technique, perseverance and industriousness.

To this list I would add honesty (including never trying to hide one's own ignorance) and the hope that the students will take the subject beyond the tutor's own limitations.

Rogers (2001, p75) also puts personality first in her list of the characteristics of effective tutors. Personality is not something that is easy to change, so this implies that the best tutors are born rather than created. Just because someone has skills and knowledge it does not mean that they are good passing them on to others.

In short it could be said that we all recognise good teachers - they are the people who inspire us to learn! Or as Rogers (2002) puts it "...we possess a very considerable knowledge of the conditions that encourage self-initiated, significant, experiential, 'gut-level' learning by the whole person."

References  

Copyright Mike Horne, 2002