British and American universities

British and American universities are similar in their pursuit of knowledge as a goal but are quite different in their organization and operation.

English universities and colleges, because of their selective intake, are relatively small. American universities, which combine a number of different colleges and professional schools, are large, sometimes with 20,000 to 25,000 students on one campus. Teacher training colleges and polytechnics are alternatives to the university course for some stu­dents in England, being established for specific purposes. In contrast, virtually all schools of education, engineering and business studies, are integral parts of universities in the United States. In England univer­sities receive about 70% of their financial support through Parliamen­tary grants. Similarly, in the United States, public institutions receive about 75% of their funds from local, state, and federal sources, but pri­vate colleges and universities receive little or no government support. In England, personal financial aid is provided by the government to over 80% of the students through local educational authorities accord­ing to the parents' income. In the US student's aid is administered by the university or the sponsoring agency and is provided by private or­ganizations and the state or federal governments. Obviously British and American universities have similar educational aims but different means of achieving those aims.

14. Buzz group — small groups of 3-5 persons to enact a simulta­neous discussion of a motion. Each group has to work out and note down all possible arguments in favour of its motion including defences against points that might be brought up by the opposition. It also has to work out the presentation of this material (who will put which ar­gument and how), using every member of the group. The result of the discussion within a buzz group is to be reported by one of its members to the whole group.