{"id":9061,"date":"2018-05-22T10:21:27","date_gmt":"2018-05-22T09:21:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ounews.co\/?p=9061"},"modified":"2018-05-22T10:21:27","modified_gmt":"2018-05-22T09:21:27","slug":"global-teaching-award-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.open.ac.uk\/blogs\/news\/around-ou\/university-news\/global-teaching-award-2018\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cExceptional institution\u201d shortlisted for Global Teaching Award"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Open University is shortlisted for the 2018 Global Teaching Excellence Award<\/a>, with praise from the judges for its unique teaching methods, huge reach and outstanding student support.\u00a0 Described by judges as “an exceptional institution in many ways”, the OU is amongst 17 finalists from across the world, and the winner will be announced on 18 July.<\/p>\n

Widening access to higher education<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Commenting on the OU\u2019s entry, the independent judging panel noted the \u201cexcellent work this institution is doing, particularly in reaching groups of learners who would not otherwise have the opportunities that the OU provides.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Open University is the largest university in the UK, with 55% of its students coming from disadvantaged backgrounds.\u00a0 The university gives students a personalised learning experience and helps them to \u2018earn while they learn\u2019- with 75% of students working either full or part time whilst they study.<\/p>\n

Professor Hazel Rymer<\/a>, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Students) said: \u201cWe are at the forefront of widening access and participation to higher education in the UK. It\u2019s our mission to enable educational opportunity and social justice by providing high-quality university education to all who wish to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.\u201d<\/p>\n

Huge reach calls for unique skills<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"\"The judges were also impressed with the university\u2019s ability to connect with its huge student body \u2013 of over 170,000 people – saying: \u201cThe sheer figures and dispersion of the student base calls for unique skills and processes in relation to delivery and engagement.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beyond its own students, the OU also provides free learning via OpenLearn, iTunes U and FutureLearn. And the university\u2019s partnership with the BBC provides engaging prime-time content such as Blue Planet II, with viewers encouraged to visit OpenLearn to find out more and order free posters and booklets to accompany many series.<\/p>\n

The Global Teaching Excellence Award is organised by the Higher Education Academy in association with Times Higher Education.\u00a0 On 18 July, the winner of the award will be announced at an awards ceremony in Edinburgh. Here is the Times Higher Education’s Phil Baty discussing the awards:<\/p>\n