Extension Studies Given More Weight

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31775, 4 September 1968, Page 7

Extension Studies Given More Weight

Not long ago universities thought extension studies was a field they could take or leave:, now they realised they were essential.

said Mr Bernard Smyl Extension Studies at tl bury, on taking up hi:

He was formerly host, of the television programme “Town and Around” in Christchurch. Mr Smyth said that when he left the department seven years ago it was beginning to change its emphasis from rural adult education to true university extension studies. Country work was still a large and important part of the programme, but the striking development had occurred in post-graduate courses to refresh those who had been away from the University for some years and to inform others of revolutionary developments in particular fields. This was now the major role. Courses would tend to be centred on Christchurch be-' cause academic staff could not be spared from their normal teaching duties. But two-day seminars or 10-lecture courses should not be considered the norm, said Mr Smyth. “We must continually look for new methods,” he said. “This is a function of the department."

Personally, he hoped it would be possible to inaugurate more study projects like the one seven years ago called “Rebuilding Christchurch." The proposition that it was more costly to build on the periphery than to rebuild in

h, the new Director of te University of Canter--5 new post on Monday. 'the centre was put to about 80 persons—planners, architects, engineers, local body men, and many others with aesthetic, financial, transport or general interests. They worked for a year on their investigations in nine study groups and then reported to a week-end school. The results were published by the City Council. “I like to think that the 'university gives a lead, provides expert help, and eni courages others to think ahead.” said Mr Smyth. By bringing interested parties together it could contribute greatly to the welfare and development of Christchurch.