WEA tutor Dr Paul Olver (Pictured) has co-authored the latest edition of a classic book on Geology. ‘An Introduction to Geological Structures and Maps’ has long been the textbook introducing A-level and first year undergraduate students to Geology.
The original version was authored by George Bennison and Keith Moseley. Paul Olver first came across the book when doing A-Level, then later when he went to study at the University of Birmingham his tutor was none other than George Bennison. While still a student at Birmingham, Paul signed up to teach a WEA course in Geology with little idea of what was involved. Having only experienced lectures himself, he proceeded to lecture his WEA students but then as the numbers dwindled, the remaining students took him to the pub to put him right on how to teach adults: plenty of interaction, handling of fossils, and practical involvement.
The second term was a great success, and Paul is now one of the West Midlands Region’s most popular tutors, teaching many courses both on geology and astronomy. Paul also went on to complete a doctorate on volcanoes.
‘An Introduction to Geological Structures and Maps’ is published by Hodder and Stoughton (ISBN 978-1-444-11212-2).
