Join the Faculty of STEM on 1 October for a 2 hour (re)Freshers programme about “What I wish I knew before starting to study STEM with the OU” from four different perspectives.

This session is for anyone returning to study- not just newbies! There will be advice for anyone, at any level. So, whether you are brand new to university studying, returning to your studies after a break, transferring into the OU or from another qualification, no matter when your next module starts and no matter what level of study you’re at- there will be something for you during this session! This session is also interdisciplinary-friendly; while the students and staff may be from the STEM faculty, the advice shared can be applied by anyone, studying anything, at any time.

Does your perspective match your peers? Share with us ahead of time what you wish you knew by sharing your stories with us on our social media accounts! Facebook: @theopenuniversitySTEM and on Twitter @OU_STEM. Or, join in on the day by engaging in the live chat or by emailing in your suggestions to STEM-News@open.ac.uk!

Communicating online may be very familiar to many people but effective online communication is something that often needs work. What might be appropriate and understood in social media settings is unlikely to be appropriate in an academic setting. In this workshop we’ll look at some of the key skills involved in using online information for a purpose and how to communicate in a way that fits the need and shows your understanding.

Please note you will need to book a free ticket to attend this Adobe Connect Online Room event.

Critical thinking is a key skill in higher education and involves evaluating and weighing up information as well as considering how well it explains a concept or is fit for purpose – and then writing about this. The benefits of developing your critical thinking and writing skills include being able to show why you have included something and demonstrating a good level of understanding. We’ll explain some of the things that tutors look for which evidence this, as well as some of the indicators that this is not being done.

This session will be held online twice – from 11 am to 12 pm and 7 pm to 8 pm.

Please note you will need to book a free ticket to attend this Adobe Connect Online Room event.

This workshop builds on the essay-planning session (although attendance of that workshop is not a requirement) and will cover the drafting and editing process. Often you might know what you want to say but aren’t able to get everything in within the word count, or are unclear about the most effective ordering of information. We’ll cover some of the key points of good essays and help you to think about what works, and how you can weave your evidence into your own great essay.

Please note you will need to book a free ticket to attend this Adobe Connect Online Room event.