Studying ME627 with Open University – Challenging, but worth it.

Written by OU student Christine Soerjowidjojo.

When I was at school, back in Indonesia, learning mathematics was about memorising formulas and the times tables. However, since beginning my journey at the OU, I have become aware that learning and understanding the theory behind the mathematical methods is more important than just memorisation. 


The tutor on ME627 stimulated our thinking by asking questions, to prompt us to widen our thinking, and as a result our knowledge became deeper. We have learned to think mathematically, by for example using frameworks and mathematical powers: specialising and generalising, conjecturing and convincing, to find invariant properties of geometrical shapes such as rectangles and triangles. Using GeoGebra as a learning aid was a wonderful experience.


Although the module content was not easy for me when reading straight from the text book, my struggles were made easier through conversing with the tutor via email or phone, and at times by being offered alternative accounts, or published papers or book references were suggested. As a mature student, with a non-teaching full time job, I sometimes found it difficult to manage my time, so the additional resources provided by tutor were very helpful.


There were good interactions between students and tutor via telephone chats/emails, which were lively and engaging, and so I thoroughly enjoyed taking part. The tutor was excellent, very knowledgeable, patient, caring and really helpful with a great sense of humour that makes me eager to learn.


The best parts of my learning experience was gaining confidence in myself leading to my own personal development and broadening my mathematical understanding of the module ideas and a new view of geometry through problem solving. 


In conclusion, studying with the OU is beneficial for my personal development and as a stepping stone to my planned move into teaching. OU study has had a largely positive impact on my life as a whole.

 

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