Looking back at what I experienced yesterday, from a journalistic point of view, I’m left with even more doubt about the value of a journalism degree.
Because what I experienced yesterday at Musgrave Park, you can’t teach that in a classroom. Yes, you can give examples and even show articles or videos from the event, but being there is something different – something you can’t experience from passive learning.
Most of the lectures I’ve attended have been very informative and valuable. Yet it is important to understand, that it is just theory – a good collection of facts and valuable opinions. However the real experience can’t be taught in the classroom.
In the classroom you are a passive learner. You sit down and listen. Sure, sometimes there is a discussion, but it’s just a discussion about journalism. Being out there, gathering information, taking photos, etc; that is active learning – actual journalism.
Frederick The Great had a good point when he said: “If I wished to punish a province, I would have it governed by philosophers.”
We can discuss the theory of journalism ad infinitum at university, but it’s not until you get out there you truly learn and become a journalist.
