You Said, We Did
How your voice has made a difference
This page provides an opportunity to see the valuable feedback received from students across a wide range of communication channels, and to see what the OU has done in response.
Please note this video is now a couple of years old so some people no longer have the same title. The current Students Association leadership can be seen on their website.
Choose a topic from the drop-down list below to see how students can have an impact on their university experience and be empowered to help shape the University. Next time you are asked to give your opinion, you know that the OU is taking this feedback seriously and will respond.
You said...
Some of the course material is quite dated and examples can refer to information dated 10 to 20 years ago. So it would be good to have some fresh information that is more relative to students today.
We did...
The production time scales on our modules are relatively long (up to about two years). The standard life time for a module is about eight years, so potentially some content on a module could be up to ten years old. We have recognized this can be problematic, especially in fast-moving areas of technology, and have adapted our module design to try to mitigate the issue. We make use of the online environment to allow us to update materials more frequently than is practical with printed material (although there are opportunities for new editions of module books midway through a module, we update the module website every presentation). However, we also recognize the advantages of the blended learning materials and your strong preference for a mix of print and online content. Therefore, during the design phase of new modules we think very carefully about how content is best divided between media.
Engineering and Innovation
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You said...
Add links to modules on the new Science and Environment Websites
We did...
Included a list of modules on the Science website (under the ‘Plan’ tab), as well as module tasters under the ‘Discover’ tab.
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You said...
Add links to student groups and external organisations on the new Science and Environment Websites.
We did...
Provide links to student societies and external organisations in the ‘beyond the OU’ section under the ‘Discover’ tab of the Science website, and to professional bodies under the ‘Succeed’ tab.
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You said...
Students commented on the need for more ‘real life ‘business examples especially where students are self-employed.
We did...
This issue is being raised with module teams to look at current use of case studies. We will further encourage best practice by tutors in drawing out ‘real life’ experience in tutor groups. This will also be taken forward when planning future curriculum content.
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You said...
Some concerns were raised about the preparatory phase and design of the final module of the MBA B839 –The management initiative.
We did...
On closer investigation many of these concerns were raised by students on the MBA Technology Management. The nature of their final management projects can be more technical and fit less well with the standard design and structure of the B839. We will work with STEM Staff Tutor colleagues to consider what improvements might be helpful.
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You said...
The policy of limiting access to the module website to three years after study of the module should be reviewed.
We did...
It is OU policy to prioritise resources to managing current sites rather than historic ones. We do provide access on an ad hoc basis in response to requests and will make this clearer to students and tutors.
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You said...
Several students commented negatively on their Tutor Group Forums (low levels of activity, lack of engagement, slowness of interactions).
We did...
TGF activity is routinely monitored as part of peer review processes. Levels of activity do vary in part with the dispositions of different tutor groups. We are continuing to look at ways of encouraging greater activity within TGFs and this will be considered within on going learning design.
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You said...
MSc Finance students, in particular, wanted the option of having more printed materials.
We did...
Course books have now been made available.
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You said...
Some students have found the Fast Track MBA workload un-manageable and support inadequate.
We did...
We now telephone all students who register on the Fast Track MBA so that they are clear on the demands and expectations. We have also provided additional opportunities for face-to -face events. A short review of the programme has been undertaken and findings are informing support from Student Experience Managers.
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You said...
In feedback, students report inconsistency and variability of tutor support.
We did...
We are always looking to improve our engagement with Associate Lecturers which helps support best practice. The Faculty AL Development Group is looking to increase its impact. Currently we are refreshing our approach to tutorial monitoring. Tutor CDSAs are getting stronger emphasis alongside support to line managers to promptly address any performance concerns. However, if students have concerns about the support being provided, which they are unable to resolve directly with their tutor, we advise them to contact their student support team for advice and guidance or escalation as appropriate.
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