Commentary

If one had to judge the standards being achieved at our University through the presentation of the 2006 magazine brought to us by the Communications students of our University, then one may be rest assured that these are definitely on the high side. The twelfth edition of Scream magazine is produced by third and fourth year B. Communications students taking the Printing Processes credit co-ordinated by Gorg Mallia.

This type of assignment is a clear practical answer to those who say that University students are not only expected to learn how to regurgitate material described during a didactic lecture and should be exposed to hands on experience.

In other commentaries we have commented on the excellent presentations made by students during the many symposia organised by various University departments. Scream is yet another example of hands on work experienced at our university. It is also a project which entails little additional expense to the University because for the 12th year the students have split themselves up into three groups: one for selling advertising space, another for editing the magazine and the other to produce it and in this way covered all expenses involved.

Not only did the advertising team provide the money needed to pay for the printing but any surplus advertising money will be donated to the University Library in the form of communication studies books. It is also good to see that Dr Mallia, the editor of Scream, encouraged the students to exert their freedom of expression and all opinionated articles printed present each respective author's personal views. Readers are invited to interpret actively all that is written in it.

Scream showcases each year the practical side of work done by communications students, exhibiting skills in journals writing, creative writing, desktop publishing, graphic design and knowledge of printing processes. Dr Mallia has stated in his editorial that he believes that the students have done an excellent job and asks us "Don't you?" We assure him that "yes, we do believe likewise."

A number of student associations in the University publish their own magazine. Maybe it would be wise if these publications start being assessed as also an assignment. A unit on Presentation and Publication of material would be a useful addition, and if not as a requirement, it could be introduced as an optional unit.

The Communications students may then help in the presentation and printing of the work. The Marketing students may assist in attracting suitable advertisements or other financing for the particular area. The spirit of teamwork that prevails at Scream may be expanded to create not only an intra-faculty team approach but also an inter-faculty teamwork experience. This would help to get the students in different faculties closer - a feature which was so common in our University in Valletta but which is being lost with the massive increase in student numbers.

The content of the articles also makes interesting reading. Carmel Attard from the Forum Malta in Europe gives details on employment opportunities in EU institutions. Malta's EU accession has brought about new employment opportunities in EU institutions and agencies for Maltese citizens. Over 160 Maltese are now employed permanently with the Council of Ministers, the European Parliament and other institutions.

Although job opportunities in EU institutions are open also to those who have upper secondary education, most jobs go to graduates. Students would do well to start preparing themselves during their University studies if they are interested in filling these positions. The University could organise optional courses for students with a particular interest in joining EU institutions upon graduation since the positions available are subject to open competition. The presentation stage consists of a written test in verbal and numerical reasoning and EU knowledge. Translators and interpreters are also tested in translation and interpretation.

Scream is just one example of how courses at the University are becoming practice-oriented. Most other courses use placements in real situations such as the teaching practice in the Education course.

Let us have more work of the same standards as Scream and let us spread this work throughout Malta as this will improve Malta's image, with all ensuing benefits.