Sweden (OLA): Evaluation Report from Session Six of ISC Second Phase

Structure of the Course

We find the course very good in terms of the amount of weeks and it being fortnightly. We feel that if sessions should extend there should only be 7 or 8 per term.

We feel that the session contents were good. Somebody has to choose what subject we shall discuss and for this past term that subject has been okay.

Content of the Course

We feel that if there be an expansion of this course, the content should be easy to read and understand. Translation was one of the main problems during the course for many of the group. The contents have been running smoothly. There was a problem introducing the national/local issues comparisons internationally. The participants have a very large interest in international issues, they have been well informed about the differences around the world.

Education Material

The education material has been of a high level, but it would have been better if there were more examples of the TNC's way of behaving.

Methods

We think the study circle method has been good. We have worked as a group where before every new session the participants have done some pre-studies on the next issue.

International Communication

We feel that it has not given any greater understanding of what the differences between the countries are. We feel that a process has started and the knowledge and understanding will come bit by bit when we talk to each other. A good value had been country or regional events that have been represented by the groups.

We could have used the discussion panel much more, but we used the 'session answers' when we raised questions to the other groups.

Internet is one of the main components and we feel that we have become more at ease with and closer to the 'new' countries. The new web-site has been very good and it has been very easy to work with.

The English language is very good as a working language.

The Outcomes and Future

The study circle members feel that they have gained some new experience about the Internet as an instrument and the fast communication between the groups. The web-site has been the centralisation where everybody meets and the take-off point for different destinations.

In the group we have not focussed on issues surrounding TNCs, more how we can communicate between the groups and new groups in the future. A very good impact has been gaining knowledge about others and that the Internet has given us the 'personal touch'. We will use the Internet as an instrument in a new study circle about international issues this autumn. We hope to use it as correspondence to the other groups.