Students as partners

Good teaching and learning are collaborative projects involving students, associate lecturers, central academics, and others who are interested. We all have a single purpose – to enable students who register for an Open University course to achieve their goals and make good academic, personal, and professional progress.  

Values

We recognise that fully engaging students in Praxis projects may challenge existing assumptions about scholarship and the questions that we ask. Therefore, our commitment to working with students as partners in scholarship is underpinned by three core values

Respect

We will show consideration towards one another, being open and honest in our communications. We will recognise the contribution that each person makes, drawing on each other’s individual strengths.

Reciprocity

We will work in mutually supportive ways to achieve desired outcomes. We commit to disseminating our shared learning for the benefit of all, giving due credit to all who have participated in it.

Responsibility

We will build a climate of trust and accountability that enables us to commit to the team as well as the task.

Both students and staff benefit when Praxis research and scholarship projects are collaborative: 

If you are a student at the Open University, we invite you to become a part of a vibrant research and scholarship community that values your insights and empowers your educational journey. Collaboration at the Open University is more than just teamwork; it’s a progressive pathway to growth, innovation, and change!  

We welcome students as collaborators, but feel this also benefits students because collaboration:

• ignites meaningful conversations that help us all define   exceptional teaching, innovative curriculum, and impactful learning and assessment. Your voice matters—be part of the dialogue that shapes your education.
• ensures you and other students can see themselves, their viewpoints and experiences reflected in our research and scholarship activity; student voices are essential to creating a research-rich and inclusive educational environment.
• encourages a Supportive Community:  able to push boundaries and pursue knowledge. When we connect as peers and mentors who champion diversity and innovation, there are few limits to what we can achieve.
• expands your perspectives and broadens your skills: working closely with interested and committed others is a great way to try out postgraduate – taught (masters) or research (doctorial) study.

Collaboration in research and scholarship is only meaningful when students genuinely benefit from it.

If you are an OU student and would like to register your interest in being involved with a Praxis project, please get in touch.