The Greatest Event on Campus: Class

In my opinion, Mister Albe Grobbelaar's class on radio journalism, at the University of the Free State, is the most noteworthy event on campus. It's a grand affair with hearty insights into the world of radio, vivacious hand gestures, enticed students and a voice to fit the occasion.

The presenter

At the start of the class students sink into their seats with expectant grins, waiting for Mr. Grobbelaar to pull back the curtains. He might start the class off plainly or with a video clip or sound bite or by singing; nevertheless every occurrence is introduced with a melodic radio-like cue that satiates the minute venue with sound.

In the duration of class he sways from side of the class to the other, often to pause and comfortably lean against the wall like one would at late night, lengthy and fiery kitchen room conversation.

Here's a sound clip on why Mr. Grobbelaar is such a zealous teacher and guru on radio journalism.

The screenplay

This Free-State born lecturer presents class content like a journalist of note would present a story. Using relevant and thought-through arresting ways to connect with his audience and to make content as understandable and memorable as possible is a sure display of his 30 years of experience in the journalism industry.

Furthermore Mr. Grobbelaar sets an example for old timers of the industry, by incorporating interactivity as post-modern tool to grip his audience.

He'll bring along his microphone, for instance, show how it's done, colour a scene and then offer the ropes to students to read stories on the microphone. He calls for student participation in every class, incorporates the use of a Facebook group and uses multimedia within class that adds value to the content.

A post-modern model for teaching

Mr. Grobbelaar, your students are captured. If one would compare class with a journalistic piece, this would be one of the few classes that successfully draws its audience to it.

Maybe it's time to take to Mr. Grobbelaar's approach, by adjusting the holy university mantra "theory is King" to a more honest "applied theory is King". Before universities lose the devotion of their target market to another study-medium that caters for the needs.