Projects

An Investigation into the Use of Peer Observation as a Tool for Professional Development and an Aid to Developing a Professional Evaluative Culture Among Associate Lecturers

Project leader(s):  Judith Wilson-Hughes Tatiana Blackmore Liz Wright

(Not) On My Own: Using Online Communities of Practice (CoP) to Encourage Development of Academic Identity of Distance Tutor

Project leader(s):  Marianna Latif Malik Refaat

Reducing Student Anxiety Whilst Waiting for their Marked Assignments

Project leader(s):  Alison Penn

Submitting an assignment is usually accompanied by a sense of relief but then there is the wait for the mark and the feedback which can cause anxiety amongst students.  This is particularly the case for the first assignment on a new module and happened with DD212 Understanding Criminolo

Diversifying End of Module Assessment project options on a Level 3 Classical Studies module - Benefits and Challenges for students and lecturers

Project leader(s):  Astrid Voigt Emma Bridges

This project investigates the benefits and challenges – for both students and educators – of an innovative assessment format which aims to make assessment more inclusive and authentic for Classical Studies students.

Enhancing SiSE Student Experience

Project leader(s):  Jaime Waters

This project arises from tutor experiences in teaching SISE (Students in Secure Environments) and derives from reflections on the difficulties that SiSE students face beyond access to printed materials, and how we can provide the best possible materials and support for SISE students.

An examination of social and cultural factors that may affect engagement in study activities linked to academic writing skills

Project leader(s):  Sharon Xuereb Cathy Schofield

It is vital for students to understand and uphold the principles of academic integrity throughout their studies. Although this is often a value that is promoted by higher education institutions from the outset, academic misconduct does appear to be a growing problem.

ChatGPT and the distance learner: working with AI to write assignments as the site of teaching and learning

Project leader(s):  Edward Wigley Sonja Rewhorn Zoe Doye

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made headlines across the world that proclaim an existential threat to humanity, with ChatGPT being heralded as the beginning of a new era in technology.  This scholarship project explores how this disruption could potentially lead to enhanced teac

Evaluating the Impact of ‘Write Now’ Sessions: Adapting Approaches from Academic Writing Retreats to Create a Learning Community of Student Writers (Phase 2)

Project leader(s):  Debbie Parker-Kinch Anactoria Clarke Jasmine Hunter Evans Hannah Lavery

Phase 1 of this scholarship project piloted and evaluated ‘Write Now’ sessions on the Open University undergraduate English Literature module A233 ‘Telling Stories: the novel and beyond’, during the 2022-23 academic year.

Impact on formal points of tutor contact on student outcome and experience on new L1 module D120

Project leader(s):  Marianna Latif Alicia Townshend

This study aims to explore the impact of early tutor contact on the D120 module, looking at the student experience, the tutor relationship and retention and progression. D120 is a new level 1 psychology module which started in October 2023.

Students' Experience of Research Methods Teaching Level 2

Project leader(s):  Jennifer Mattschey

The project investigates Psychology students’ perception of both quantitative and qualitative research methods teaching at level 2, with the aim to identify new and more effective approaches to teaching these topics.