Fri 27th March - Sun 29th March, Reading University

Although the OU courses are delivered remotely, there is the opportunity to pay some more (!) and attend a residential school at the end of course but before the exams for revision purposes. Not having attended one before I was a bit uncertain what to expect. Many courses are covered thus drawing about 300 students to Reading University but you are split into much smaller classes and are allocated to a tutor for the entire weekend to focus on your particular topic. Mine, “Preparing for Research” had 9 students and an excellent tutor in Rob Walker one of the OU senior lecturers. The course was for those approaching the end of the diploma course and nearing the dissertation, as I am. Good doesn’t cover it. Having done this class I wouldn’t even consider taking the dissertation without it, a view echoed across the class. In sometimes painful detail the requirements of the dissertation were explained, the skills needed highlighted and quickly practised, the time and effort commitment made clear. Based on this course I’ve a much better idea of the work I’ll need to do and the skills I’ll need to gain before starting. The dissertation process starts in the Autumn 09. But the point of the course was there is a lot that can be done in preparation. It’s made me a lot more confident as to being successful. And my research idea seemed to pique the interest of the tutor which is kind of encouraging!