Introduction to the OU and the role

1.1 Introduction

By Ann Walshe [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)]   (Ctrl + click to read the author's biography)

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"I sometimes say to people 'have you ever thought of studying with the OU?'

"But just as often I ask, 'have you ever thought of teaching for the OU?”

The purpose of this course is to raise awareness of the Open University (OU) tutor role and help you decide if this is something you would like to apply for, and if you would find it rewarding. You may have experienced tutor roles in other institutions and wish to know how the OU role compares. We will give you an insight into what being a tutor at the OU entails, what you could gain in personal development and satisfaction, and how you could make a significant and positive difference to the lives of our students.

This course uses selected extracts and resources from the OU website that will help you understand the tutor role. If this course inspires you to apply to become a tutor for the OU, we hope that the insights you have gained from the course will help you when writing your application.

Digital badge and Statement of Participation

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There is a digital badge awarded for studying this course and you will also receive a Statement of Participation. To gain both of these you need to complete all six parts of the course and pass the end-of-course knowledge assessment.

Course discussion forum

We encourage you to use the discussion forum as you progress through the course to tell us of your experience of learning about being an OU tutor. The forum will enable you to connect with others and share experiences together. You will be able to respond to, and reflect on, other learners' comments.

The forum is also your opportunity to connect with experienced OU STEM tutors and find out from them first-hand what it is like to be an OU tutor.

We offer some straightforward guidance on how to participate in our course forums to help you. This discussion forum is moderated by the OU course team.

Discussion forum

Please tell us what you would like to get out of studying the course and share any questions you have about the learning journey ahead.

Post your thoughts to the discussion forum.

1.2 What is the OU?