Training aids 1

Susan Bassnett ("Who's inspired by a handout?", August 24) accuses those of us involved in academic "training" of the mass production of packages. On our Certificate of Academic Practice we would deplore the use of the phrase "training package", and we distribute material for critique in the same way as any academic. Most of us see ourselves in the vocation of education and development. We have to introduce new staff to institutional and Quality Assurance Agency requirements but do not see ourselves encouraging academics to "slavishly follow some training package". Such "us and them" speak polarises life unhelpfully for those of us who should have common goals of supporting staff and encouraging best teaching.

Sue Grace
Senior adviser in academic practice
York University