James Shaw

James Shaw expresses his opinion on studying at the university in an article published in 'The Spectator', 28th October 2006. He speaks about the disillusionment he experienced after the first term and dissatisfaction with the facilities, which in the end, made him abandon his studies. One of his main arguments that made him leave was simple boredom. James complains about the amount of time he had to spare. Very few hours of lectures, almost none homework and independent research created a timetable where James had more free time for pleasures than course work. He stresses the fact that he was provided by course instructors with handouts that contained all the material in a nutshell. Moreover, students were given examination sheets in advance so they could prepare for the tests and achieve positive results. As far as the independent research is concerned, students were not encouraged to visit the library and work on their own. In my humble opinion, James did not stay long enough to fully experience the goods offered by the university. The large number of freshly baked students may not accept the pace of the first term. For some it is to slow, for others too fast. They will probably give up and resign. The same thing happened to James. He was impatient and did not get through the boring first term. As for the work schedule, James did not pursue every single opportunity that the university provides. He could take extra courses, sign in for various lectures and attend student's clubs, for instance, history club. Joining a sport team or finding a job could have filled his daily routine and change his attitude. James was not motivated to stay so he simply left. James Shaw calls his fellow students 'consumers'. He argues that universities lower their requirements making it possible for higher number of students to graduate, thus giving universities more government funds. Young people are coming for the diploma as to a shop to buy something. There is no denying that he is right that some of universities and some of students act in such way but only a full graduate student has the right to express it in public. A person who didn't even finish his first year and not became a 'consumer' should not take any statement.