Is theory important? I don’t doubt that it is. Essentially it is the foundation of what we study. But does that mean that it’s more or less important than hands on experience. I don’t think so.

    As a student, I personally learn better and find myself more engaged when learning in a hands on manner. I also feel more comfortable starting an internship knowing I can complete the task assigned because I had the hands-on experience.

     However, aside from the importance of hands-on and theory teaching I think public speaking should rocket to the top of the list.

    Mastering public speaking skills helps you build relationships, network and shows your confidence. I personally think more weight should be put on public speaking and I don’t feel all professors emphasize it enough.

~Summer Gemmati

**This is in response to Dr. Schedel’s and Kara Kane’s posts on theory.**

I never once said in my column that theory isn’t important, I just emphasized my belief, and what I’ve experienced in the work place, that hands on is more valuable.

I think the reason people took it the wrong way might have been more of the headline, which I didn’t write and didn’t realize until today what it said.

The reason that I, and from what I am getting in response from other students, might not find theory to be as ‘useful’ in the work place could be the fact that I didn’t get anything out of my theory class.

For students to understand theory it needs to be broken down in simple terms. Yes, we are college students and therefore our learning capabilities are higher, but theory is hard to grasp. I left each class more confused then when I entered and I know I’m not the only one. The fact is students taught our class and its not easy to learn something from someone who doesn’t understand the reading themselves.

And I do believe that internships can be a good basis for judging the real world on. I know that some internships are just making copies and doing the ‘b.s.’ no one else wants to touch, I’ve been there, done that, but more recently at my internship with Buffalo Spree Publishing I have been doing real world work. It is the same tasks I would be asked to do if I was paid.

I know I am putting theory to work each day of my internship, but I just don’t know what theory it is.

~Courtney Pellet

The Medaille Communications Department will be holding their annual awards luncheon for the local media for their involvement in the Medaille internship program on Monday, March 10. All Media majors are expected to be in attendance for a free lunch and an afternoon of networking. The seniors of the department will be presenting the awards.