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The Open University experience

   
by Carolina Trewinnard

 

   

from:
The Journal
No. 13 April 2002

Carolina Trewinnard is the Open University Coordinator in Portugal.

© authors and The British Council 2002

permission to reproduce articles from the Journal will normally be granted but must be obtained in advance from the editor. Views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of he British Council

It is widely accepted that the Open University (OU) is one of the great success stories of British Education. The OU is the largest and one of the most innovative universities in the UK, with a world-wide reputation for the quality of its courses and the effectiveness of its teaching methods.

Professional development is now recognised in the teaching profession as part of a continuing process of academic, curriculum and skill development for individual teachers, schools and the education service. The OU offers a wide range of courses in a variety of areas, but the taught higher degrees may be the most appropriate option for English language teachers.

With over 3,500 students, the OU's Master's in Education is the largest programme of its kind in Europe. This professional qualification is for those who already have some experience in teaching or lecturing, the education advisory service, educational administration or an allied field. The MA/MEd Degrees and the Doctorate in Education are quite popular amongst practising teachers in Portugal, of whom a large number are EFL teachers in schools all over the country and at the British Council. Students can choose from a variety of modules and are encouraged to put together a programme of study that meets their individual professional interests and needs.


Modules include:

  • Teaching English to speakers of other languages world wide
  • Leading and managing for effective education
  • Language and literacy in a changing world
  • Guidance and counselling in learning

Some of these modules are taught online, and thanks to the growing use of information and communications technology to support learning, the OU is increasingly accepting students from all over the world. Amongst other things, this fosters a multicultural approach to educational issues and allows for a richer learning experience. Feedback from current and former students on the quality of the programmes is extremely positive, and many have also reported the appropriateness of course materials to use in class.

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There are also a variety of advanced diplomas and certificates which can be obtained half way through a degree. Modules can be taken in any order and each is worth 60 points (180 are needed for a Master Degree). The majority run from February to October.

Open University courses are demanding but rewarding. If your goal is to promote learning, wherever you are, the Open University can certainly help you achieve that objective.


[more information...]

Current qualifications include:

MA in Education
Master of Education
MA in Education (Applied Linguistics)
MA in Education (Leadership and Management)
MA in Education ( Lifelong Learning)
MA in Education (Special Needs/Inclusive Education)
MEd (Applied Linguistics)
MEd (Leadership and Management)
MEd ( Lifelong Learning)
MEd (Special Needs/Inclusive Education)
Doctorate in Education

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