Value judgement on my fifteen day visit to West Nottinghamshire College, Mansfield

Abstract

From the 1st to the 15th November 1993, I paid a fifteen day visit to West Nottinghamshire College in UK as part of my programme to obtain a diploma leading to educational administration and management about which I have already been attending various lectures and sat for examinations during the past two years at the University of Malta. My main objective for this visit was to discover how the theories learnt, during the above-mentioned course, can be put into practice for a better organisation to be introduce, moulded and controlled into our schools in Malta. According to my judgement I consider this visit a summing up of all that I have heard and wrote upon during my course of study because throughout the realm of education learning must be accomplished by doing and only intelligent practice will cultivate the powers of the mind. Memory is or rather may be cultivated by exercise, imagination trained by use but reasoning power can only be developed by practice. These powers or rather faculties should be exercised, otherwise the power to use them is lost. Thus, my main interest during my visit to the above-mentioned College was that of shadowing and observing the Principal and various heads of faculties in their respective roles, knowing how information is handled and passed on to all the staff and students and to obtain a general view of the College's environment on the whole. Since my main interests are based on Technical Education I automatically chose this College. In 1976 the Technical College and the College of Arts in Mansfield were amalgamated into one Institution which now embraces Adult Education, Art and Design and all aspects of Technical Business and General Education. It was a unique occasion for me to discover the way in which the Educational System has developed, how it functions and especially to what extent it equips the growing lad for his social environment in the widest sense, intellectually, emotionally and technically. This college offers a variety of top-quality training schemes for young people up to the age of 25. Whether one is a school leaver, an employee, or someone who is returning to study as an adult or anyone with special needs the staff at this college helps him take the course which is right for him. Once inside, a student finds a mature atmosphere, friendly staff, excellent facilities and aids (library refectory, sports, support services) varied and stimulating learning activities and a lively social life. […]