Events

Final module assessment: Making it your best! — 5 May 2021

Join us from 12pm to 1pm

Whether this is your first or 12th end of module assessment, pulling together a years’ worth of work can be a little daunting. End of module assessments can be more challenging than tutor marked assignments because of the scope of the content as well as the complexity of the task. In this broadcast we discuss how to work with key themes and concepts and how to balance breadth and depth of discussion. We’ll also think about how to plan your time effectively as you work on either a prepared end of module assessment or for an exam. Join members of staff and other students to make a plan and pick up some new ideas to apply to your study.

How to access the live event?
On the day of the event sign in at http://studenthublive.open.ac.uk and click ‘Join us live’

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Dealing with other people's ideas – 27 April 2021

Join us from 12pm to 1pm

Have you ever been asked to write about someone else’s theory in your own words, and felt that you could never express it quite as well as the author themselves? Will a large quotation do…? What does the theory actually mean, and why might it matter? So often we meet a theory or concept and are asked to do something with it; perhaps to write a comparison or to discuss the extent to which it supports another idea. The key challenge in creating arguments based on other people’s ideas is understanding what they mean, followed by identifying which parts relate to the argument and therefore need to be included. All of this requires confidence in understanding and articulating, and in this SHL workshop we discuss how to deconstruct ideas in order to apply them to questions. We will also cover how to represent someone else’s writing in your own words.

To attend this event, book your space here.

How to access the live event?
If you have already booked your place through Eventbrite, you will have received an email which contains the link to the Adobe Connect room where the session takes place. You may need to scroll down the email to find the link! If you don’t find the email in your inbox, please check your spam folder.

After the event, you can watch the recording here (click on 'view previous recordings' button). The group work and plenary are not recorded. The slides for the event are available here 24h prior the event.

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Developing a good academic argument – 20 April 2021

Join us from 7pm to 8pm

Developing an academic argument, or line of enquiry, is an important skill but it can be difficult to learn to balance critical opinion and evidence. Presenting a solid narrative involves considering the structure of your argument and developing it persuasively. This interactive workshop is ideal for Level 2 and 3 students.

All spaces for this workshop have been reserved but you can watch it on catch-up later.

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Critical thinking and writing – 13 April 2021

Join us from 7pm to 8pm

This is a repeat of a workshop delivered earlier this year and it is aimed at students who may have missed it first time round.

Aimed at Access and Level 1 students or those who are new to critical thinking and writing, this workshop covers the basics: we will look at how to use module information, taking it apart to understand the key themes for yourself, independently of the guidance you are given. We then move on to writing critically, identifying relevant information, and presenting it objectively in your own words. 

All spaces for this workshop have been reserved but you can watch it on catch-up later.

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Your first assignments – 29 March 2021

Join us from 12pm to 1pm

First assignments in a new module are always exciting – a chance to work with your Associate Lecturer in developing your skills. Theoretically speaking, your first assignments are the starting point for improvement, and you will learn more each time. However, assignments can sometimes create feelings that can get in the way of learning. One of the things we know at SHL is that many students feel anxious or worry that they’re not as good as others – we also know that sharing these feelings helps us realise that we’re not alone. So please join us for this hour-long broadcast in which we discuss how to establish what you need to focus on in assignments, and what is important in terms of marks. We will also cover some of the technical and procedural details that will be helpful if this is your first piece of assessed work at the OU.

How to access the live event?
On the day of the event sign in at http://studenthublive.open.ac.uk and click ‘Join us live’ button

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Developing your critical thinking and writing (intermediate/advanced) – 23 March 2021

Join us from 12pm to 1pm

This workshop builds on the introductory workshop and is aimed mainly at Level 2 and 3 students. We will take a deeper look at critically analysing source material and identifying the most important elements for any argument or answer. The focus is on being critical in context, evaluating different approaches and being able to put them in perspective.

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Preparing for and producing your best EMA – 12 May 2021

Join us from 12pm to 1pm

End-of-module assessments (EMAs) are important both because of the marks they attract and as a final piece of work that allows you to exhibit your comprehension of a completed module. In this interactive workshop we will look at how EMAs differ from TMAs and how to demonstrate your understanding at an appropriate level of detail.

All spaces for this workshop have been reserved but you can watch it on catch-up later.

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Creative note-taking – 17 May 2021

Join us from 12pm to 1pm

Are you a keen note-taker or does the idea fill you with dread? Do you have stacks of highlighted notes that you never look at, or perhaps no idea what ‘good’ notes should look like in the first place? Note-taking is a key skill that helps us make sense of material, digest it and critically evaluate it, and also remember key points for exams or future use. Yet there is no ‘right’ way to take notes, and at this workshop we will show and share different styles of note-taking. If you would like to develop your own style, and perhaps share some of the note-taking techniques you have used, this workshop is for you. We have a special guest, Jay Rixon, who had to develop her own way of note-taking – her ideas are inspirational and fun.

To attend this event, book your space here.

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Preparing for exams and demonstrating skills in a high pressure situation – 18 May 2021

Join us from 1pm to 2pm

This workshop will cover practical aspects of exam revision, as well as how to mentally prepare to ensure you deliver on the day. Just as athletes take a layered approach to preparing for critical races, psychology, skills and time management all play their part in maximising your exam performance.

To attend this event, book your space here.

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Different Perspectives: Exploring the big questions from different points of view — 24 May 2021

Join us from 10am to 11am

This past year has taught us many things, one of which is that in order to solve some of our big issues we need to look at them from a variety of viewpoints. We need to approach problems from different directions, through the lens of different subjects and discipline areas. How can we tackle key topics such as health and technology, food security and sustainability, the rise of online delivery and the impact on the environment, the importance now more than ever of the arts and their impact on wellbeing?

Join the Open Programme team at 10am on the 24 May as they tackle tricky topics in a fun and informal way and take part in a lively discussion and debate. We look forward to having the Student Hub Live audience share their thoughts and perspectives on these big questions.

To attend this event, book your space here.

How to access the live event?
On the day of the event sign in at http://studenthublive.open.ac.uk and click ‘Join us live’

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Celebrating Access Students: Making it through the module – 24 May 2021

Join us from 1.30pm to 2.30pm

Every student who decides to start an Access module, who submits an assignment, gets over an obstacle or makes it to the end of the module, deserves recognition. This session will celebrate Access students’ achievements and discuss some ways to make sticking with study, even in challenging times, just that little bit easier. There will be awards for ‘best pet study buddy’ and ‘best use of a highlighter’, amongst others. Come along for some fun and to receive recognition that what you are doing is worth celebrating. You might even pick up some new study tips!

To attend this event, book your space here.

How to access the live event?
On the day of the event sign in at http://studenthublive.open.ac.uk and click ‘Join us live’

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