REVIEWS OF MY COURSES
WOODY IS AN EXCELLENT TUTOR
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The Introduction to Japanese Literature course introduced Japanese poetry, short stories and novels in a very interesting and absorbing way. Woody opened each session with a brief biography of the writer and an explanation of their influences and interests. She then invited the group to read aloud extracts from some of the works. This was followed by reflection and open discussion. Video and audio clips were used as appropriate.
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Woody’s enthusiasm was infectious but she never allowed it to dictate what the group members should think. Every individual was allowed plenty of time to express his or her opinions and each was given serious consideration. Woody is an excellent tutor. She develops good rapport with the students and enables group members to relate well to one another. She responds quickly and appropriately to suggestions and comments and is always sensitively aware of any participant who may need extra help or support. I am sure that any course tutored by Woody would be well worth attending and a rewarding experience.
MIKE, SOUTH-WEST REGION WEA / CASA LEARNER
This is inspirational teaching and learning at its best
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I have participated in two of Woody’s courses so far – International WWI literature and Japanese literature. It certainly seems that her courses are not for those who prefer to sit back and passively absorb their learning. Woody immerses right from the start with a range of material carefully paced and selected to challenge, enlighten and amaze. Her interactive approach and multi-media engagement captivated me right from the start and, importantly, fired up a continuing interest and motivation to delve even further. It is safe to say that Woody will open doors to new worlds and your eyes to new insights. This is inspirational teaching and learning at its best.
MICHAEL TAYLOR, CITY OF BATH COLLEGE LEARNER
I can't wait for the next course
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Woody’ s course on American Literature was a delightful experience. It was very well planned and covered a wide range of writing, illustrated not only with well chosen excerpts of text, but also with film clips, music and the recorded voice. Lively discussion and time for reflection on how the works linked to ‘The American Dream’ has given me a new perspective in my reading and has introduced me to some authors whose works were unfamiliar to me. Thank you, Woody. I can’t wait for the next course!
PAT - SOUTH-WEST REGION WEA / CASA LEARNER
WE would highly recommend this course
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Thank you for a really interesting Introduction to 20th Century American Literature. We learnt a great deal and enjoyed the interactive sessions with much discussion. The inclusion of audio and video clips helped bring the texts to life and the atmosphere in the classes enabled everyone to voice their views. We would highly recommend the course!
RICHARD & ANNIE, SOUTH-WEST REGION WEA / CASA LEARNER
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A very stimulating and
thoughT-provoking course
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A very stimulating and thought-provoking course – well run in a pleasant, friendly manner – excellent tutor. (Introduction to Japanese Literature)
SUE, SOUTH-WEST REGION WEA / CASA LEARNER
I would strongly recommend Woody as a guide on any
literary quest
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Woody River has been introducing a group of us to highlights of Japanese literature. There can be something daunting about approaching so foreign a culture but also something entrancing and stimulating. Under Woody’s enthusiastic and well informed guidance, we have entered a world of new experiences and through a wide range of personalities and literary styles, we have incidentally become more acquainted with the geography, history and psychology of Japan.
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We ranged from the poetic rustic travels of the 17th century Basho and the mystical stories of 18th century Akinari, steeped in classical legend, to the social concerns of Higuche and very modern identity issues of Akutagawa, reflecting the turbulent changes as Japan opened up dramatically to the West after the mid-19th century. Extracts from Ibuse’s Black Rain on the traumatic aftermath of Hiroshima provoked discussion and reflection on our knowledge of, and attitudes to, Japan, as was skillfully engineered by our tutor on all the works we covered. I would strongly recommend Woody as a guide on any literary quest.
PAUL, SOUTH-WEST REGION WEA / CASA LEARNER
WOODY HAS A DEEP AND INSTRUCTIVE UNDERSTANDING OF HER MATERIAL
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Woody has a deep and instructive understanding of her material. She manages to extract the best out of her audience by a thoughtful and supportive presentation style. Her course material was well prepared and time flew by! For a literature beginner such as I, she was superb.
DR. RAY STANBRIDGE, COLERIDGE COTTAGE DAY WORKSHOP LEARNER
WOODY’S LOVE OF HER SUBJECT ENABLED AN INSPIRING LEARNING EXPERIENCE
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What an enjoyable day in a wonderful venue! Woody’s love of her subject enabled an inspiring learning experience.
When’s the Shelley workshop?
PEN, COLERIDGE COTTAGE DAY WORKSHOP LEARNER
THE SORT OF TUTOR THAT YOU DREAM OF HAVING, BUT DON’T ACTUALLY EXPECT TO EXIST
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Although the thought of taking a literary class had often crossed my mind every now and then, I never seemed to get round to it. Well, more fool me! But then again, perhaps not, given that my timing to explore a course like this now meant that it would be Woody River who was teaching the class. Without over praising at all, I can simply say that she is the sort of tutor that you dream of having, but don’t actually expect to exist.
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The classes (I have done 2 now) have been extremely informative and always interesting and each class has been a pure pleasure to attend. Woody has a very comprehensive knowledge of her subject and how she manages to convey so much of this on to us in such a relaxed, yet captivating, manner I do not know – but she does. As someone who has always enjoyed reading very much I can wholeheartedly recommend any course that Woody is kind enough to offer.
MAGGIE, FROME COMMUNITY EDUCATION LEARNER
I particularly appreciate the creative approach woody brings
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I have now attended two of Woody’s courses: The Romantic Poets in the South West and 20th Century American Literature.
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I have enjoyed both. I agree with other students of Woody’s who find her approach stimulating, interesting and her infectious enthusiasm makes me want to learn more about our subject. I am a lifelong avid reader and it is a treat to find new authors or discover new things about ones I have already read.
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I particularly appreciate the creative approach Woody brings in introducing other texts or ideas to illustrate the work of the writer we are studying.
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She is good at encouraging discussion among the group and for boosting confidence in her learners so all feel able to contribute opinions and ideas.
I would strongly recommend attendance at Woody’s courses.
SARA, FROME COMMUNITY EDUCATION LEARNER
AN EXCITING AND REWARDING VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY
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Woody’s deep knowledge and love of literature permeate her classes. She enlivens each session with group discussions, reading aloud, and film and audio clips, and creates a friendly and enthusiastic atmosphere in which people enjoy learning together and feel free to participate. I have taken part in three of Woody’s courses and found each one to be an exciting and rewarding voyage of discovery.
OLIVER, CITY OF BATH COLLEGE LEARNER