A survey suggests that only 8 per cent of students "embark on tertiary education with anything approaching a keenness to learn" (Why II, THES , November 23). At last some honesty. As one who was part of this small group, I found university a demoralising, lonely and stale experience.
What compounded the dullness of being among a sea of clubbers and borderline alcoholics was being taught by many lecturers who did not want to be at the front of the class. This was apparent by their indifferent mood and sloppy approach to teaching.
Students passing time on their way to work and lecturers passing time on their way to whatever deserve each other. If only there was a way of matching active learners to committed teachers.
Joy Hawthorne
Oxford