WELS news

OU Students Association President, Sarah Jones, is currently studying for her Masters in Education with WELS. Here, she shares with us how studying with the OU has changed her life, built her confidence and allowed her to follow in her father’s footsteps.

The winners of this year’s WELS Student, Tutor and Teaching Excellence Awards were announced at the virtual WELS Teaching Excellence Day on Tuesday 5 October. In total, 21 awards were made across the three categories.

The WELS Teaching Excellence Awards seek to recognise outstanding teaching that promotes our students’ success. In 2020 and 2021, many projects and programmes had to adapt rapidly and creatively to challenges posed by pandemic restrictions and the way our colleagues have embraced and boldly addressed these challenges is reflected in three nominations that stood out from the crowd and were presented with awards.

Every year, the Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies (WELS) recognises students for their achievements through the WELS Student Awards. This year another eight talented students received awards in two categories, in a recent virtual ceremony.

Every year the Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies (WELS) recognises students and projects that have gone above and beyond what is expected of them. This year, for the first time, the WELS Tutor Awards provided students with the opportunity to recognise the dedication and skill of their tutors.

Professor Teresa Cremin, Professor of Education (Literacy) at The Open University, takes a look at the role Reading for Pleasure plays in children's literacy, both in and beyond the classroom.

In collaboration with WELS academics, the OU has launched the first module in a package of free Safeguarding Leadership Training courses, aimed at those working in the international development sector.

Open University Associate Lecturer Dr Katharine Jewitt has been appointed co-lead of the Education and Digital Skills team within UNESCO’s Inclusive Policy Lab.

Research by The Open University Children’s Research Centre (OUCRC) was key to the evolution of a book on children’s rights published this month.

Undertaking any form of research is a challenge in its own right, but having a global pandemic breakout mid-way through is something that nobody expects to happen when they set out on their PhD journey. Find out how WELS student, Petra Vacková, coped with the challenges of carrying out research in such unprecedented times.