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Res Gestae
By Francisco Lindero, Jr.
Group study
Crime of passion? Many would recall the unhappy ending of Jennifer-Norberto’s (+) love story upon reading the title of this article. But, for me, I can’t help but associate “group study” to nineteen philosophy students who stayed late until the wee hours of the night – oh, it was even until morning! - dissecting the pages of research materials found in a Philosophy Stuffs-filled library of the Blessed Hannibal Formation Center (Cebu, City).
From my experience, group discussion in aid of the classroom lectures was important. The varied opinions of participants shared during the discussion revealed the depth and the limitless realm of philosophy or any subject for that matter. In fact, group discussion was even more enriching than the inputs from teacher, especially from those who taught for-the-sake-of.
Our group was bigger than the ideal number for a group discussion. Other than that, we came from different regions in Visayas and Mindanao – with different dialects, family orientations, and interests! Worse, Philosophy as a course was not our choice; it was a requirement, - coincidental to our dream of becoming the shepherds of flock! And, this is the hardest challenge of all!
Knowing the importance of group discussion in our endeavor to live up the expectation of public from the “Lovers of Wisdom”, our group observed specific guidelines before going into the discussions. Among the requirements were:
- Participant must be informed of the topic for discussion;
- Participant must have read at least three related materials;
- Brief/summary of the readings must be provided to fellow participants;
- Participant must be prepared to discuss for at least five minutes the results of his research; and
- Participant must be involved actively in the discussion.
Our group had thoughtfully observed the weekly group study for more than three years. And the overwhelming results of this practice were the nineteen of us who passed the thesis defense and oral comprehensive examinations! Well, passing what other students had considered the “intimidating” phase of our scholastic formation was, for our group, already expected rather than feared! The questions of our groupmates during the pre-thesis defense (which was part of group study sessions) were even more challenging compared to those of the members of the panel.
My colorful memories of the so-called “group study” was somehow disturbed when reports on Jennifer-Norberto tragedy broke out early morning last week! Reading between the lines the reports, I considered that group study has already been misused. Abused! I had been a first year student of law also. And, I had (ab)used “group study”, not once or twice but many times, an excuse for my coming home late! Well, I often received invitation for a group study, but was surprised when my newly found group in law school ended up in the then Highway 10 or Stage One or even as far as Oasis in Pavia.
Now, I’ll make it straight; “group study” among freshmen law students is a misnomer! Or, I can consider the wrongful use of the words as a symptom of “severe amnesia” which most students are experiencing upon entering law school. Well, this may not be true to all; but, like most of the provisions of the law, my statement is more of a general rule than an exception!
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Happy birthday to my sister, NANET B LINDERO (October 10)!!!
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The writer may be reached thru rogatepnp@yahoo.com or 09193161190.
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