Three OU projects shortlisted for Times Higher Education Awards 2017

OU initiatives which demonstrate innovation in teaching and research impact have been shortlisted for the Times Higher Education Awards 2017 and the OU Business School is in the running for Business School of the Year.

Dr Georgina Blakeley, Director of Teaching (Politics) in the OU’s Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences was entered in the Most Innovative Teacher of the Year category for demonstrating innovation in transforming the student learning experience. Her entry demonstrated how she enhanced the student experience on two modules: DD101 Introduction to the Social Sciences (2008-2012) and DD102 Introducing the Social Sciences (2012-2016).

The OU’s research contribution to English in Action, which is working to transform the English communication abilities of seven million teachers and children across Bangladesh by the end of 2017, was shortlisted in the International Impact Award category. Using OU-developed English language teaching materials loaded onto low cost mobile phones, known as the “Trainer in your pocket”, the project, led by Programme Director Tom Power and Project Manager Claire Hedges, is changing how teachers teach English.

The Open University Business School has been shortlisted in the Business School of the Year category. The award will go to the business school demonstrating the most outstanding overall performance during the 2015-16 academic year.

Commenting on this achievement, Professor Rebecca Taylor, Executive Dean of the Open University Business School said:

“Our submission showcased our Centres of Excellence, a distinctive model which combines rigorous research, outreach that influences policymakers and informs practice, and free online learning delivered at scale, to deliver social impact in critical, yet under-researched areas. Our three established Centres focus on the public understanding of finance, policing, and voluntary sector leadership; all are externally funded, and we are delighted that the Times Higher Education has recognised the value and contribution our Centres are delivering to society and the sector.”

Read the Times Higher Awards 2017 shortlist.

Read more about OU courses in Social Sciences.

Read about the OU Research’s involvement in English in Action.

Visit The Open University Business School.