This WELS PGR blog for Postgraduate and emerging researchers is edited by a group of current and recent PGR researchers at the Open University.
The purpose of the blog is to provide a space, both public and private, for Postgraduate Researchers to share experiences and developing ideas about anything to do with their research.
WELS PGR Bloggers: The Editorial Group
Dr Jane Cobb
I have been an Associate Lecturer at the Open University since 2002, tutoring mainly English Language modules. I live in Stourbridge in the West Midlands with my husband, two adult children and three Romanian rescue (street) dogs. My recent EdD and my current research interests concern the multiple perspectives around feedback practices around assessed writing in HE. This is my first venture into blogging, and I am looking forward to this creative space, where colleagues can share, debate, and discuss issues arising around their research.
Dr. Lesley June Fearn
In 2021, as an Open University PostGraduate Researcher, I achieved my EdD regarding learning and teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) using online community projects in secondary schools. This interest stems from more than thirty years of experience teaching English (as a Foreign Language) and English literature in state schools in the south of Italy. During this time, I have continually experimented with new approaches and techniques, especially with technology, to motivate students in their schooling. Other areas of interest include Fine Art and English literature that I studied as a BA and MA. As far as research is concerned, I am particularly interested in Action Research and sociocultural paradigms.
Selina Griffin
After completing my BA (in Classics) in the usual way at a bricks and mortar university, I discovered the Open University and completed an MA. Years later after some soul-searching, I switched fields and completed an MA in Online and Distance Education which has led to me pursuing my EdD in the realm of learning analytics. I am fortunate enough to now also work for the Open University. I also have my own personal blog where I discuss my research, running and my cat @MrGrebo
Dr Gillian M. Ferguson
I’ve worked in diverse settings as social worker, community learning worker and various other roles in practice, HE and learning/development. Keen to be inspired and inspire others to learn. My doctoral research explored lived experiences of social workers learning through work.
Amanda ( Mandy ) Wilford
Is currently a part – time post graduate research student as part of the Professional Doctorate in Education at The Open University. Her research is centred around unfolding healthcare simulations and how learning is supported from both the learner and facilitator’s perspective . Mandy is currently a Senior Lecturer in Patient Safety and Simulation at The School of Health and Social Care , Staffordshire University. Mandy has worked in healthcare simulation within commercial and NHS settings . As a Registered Nurse her specialism is Cardiac Nursing . Mandy is a keen walker and narrowboater and can often be found with her husband on their own boat ‘Dreadnought ‘navigating the Kennet and Avon Canal.
Dr Carol Azumah Dennis
Is Programme Leader for the EdD at the Open University. She completed an EdD in 2010 at which point she started working in Higher Education, in Teacher Education. She mainly researches post-16 Education, Further Education Colleges, with an interest in policy and professionalism, adult literacies, ethics and leadership. She has an interest in blogging as conversational scholarship and is keen to make connections with interested others.