Laurie Taylor Column

"Today's students need much more spoon-feeding than previous generations of undergraduates" - Times Higher survey, September 17

Imogen? Is that you lurking outside the door? Do come in. Please sit yourself down. Now, how are you getting on today?

I'm still having trouble.

Even after our long session last week? And the one we had the week before?

I'm afraid so.

Don't worry, let's have one more go.

Do you mind terribly?

Of course not. That's what we're here for. Now, we'll start as usual at the very beginning. I take it that you were all right about leaving this building last week?

Oh, yes. But then I started to feel really uncertain.

Well, one step at a time. After you are out of this building, you turn left and walk about 100 yards along the covered way, then you cross the bridge over the biology effluent pond.

Then it's past the squash courts.

That's right. You see, you do really know when you put your mind to it. Now, what comes after the squash courts? On your right.

The cooling tower?

Well done. So you go past the cooling tower, then look hard left, and there is the main door staring you in the face.

Thank you very, very much, Professor Lapping. I feel such a fool for always needing your help.

Not at all, Imogen. After all, you're still only a second year. Lots of our undergraduates don't manage to find their way to the library until just before finals.