Workshop to help people wishing to return to study

The University of Queensland will conduct a workshop for people who are thinking about University, but who have forgotten what it is like to study.

The Learning Assistance Unit within the University's Student Support Services section will hold a Thinking About University workshop at rooms 224-227 Gordon Greenwood Building, St Lucia campus on Saturday, September 20 from 9am to 4pm.

Learning adviser and workshop convenor and presenter Keith Prokop said many mature-aged students had a perception that university learning required some skills in which they might be deficient, because it had been a long time since they had done study of any kind.

'People need not be worried,' he said.

'Skills acquired at school do not necessarily transfer to university.

'Secondly, the skills people acquire through life can directly relate to university study. For example, the thinking process in learning to drive and operate a car is the same process needed in higher education.'

Mr Prokop said many people contemplated further study whether to gain extra qualifications, try a career shift, or just to study a subject in which they had always been interested. The workshop would address common problems and fears of people who had not studied in a while including:
- what can I expect and what is expected of me?
- can I handle the work?
- how would I ?fit in'; and
- what study skills do I need?

Mr Prokop said the workshop would give participants a better understanding of what university study was like, allow participants to assess their strengths, and help them to make informed decisions.

He is living proof that people can succeed after an absence from study for many years.

Mr Prokop left school in 1974 and returned to study for a bachelor of arts degree at the University of Queensland in 1991, subsequently undertaking first class honours in history and being awarded a University medal. He is now studying for a PhD in environmental history supervised by Associate Professor Ross Johnston.

'I'm someone who didn't put in much effort at school, but enjoyed University later in life,' he said.

The workshop, which costs $65 per person (including lunch, and morning and afternoon teas) is limited to 25 students. Closing date for registration is September 16, 1997.

People wishing to attend can contact Helen Jones at 07 3365 7394.