This session will explore some of the strategies you can use to identify your goals and motivate yourself in your studies. We will present some tools and exercises which you can take away and try, and also signpost to other OU resources

Asia Khatoon – Personal Learning Advisor

Having worked as an Education Adviser at the OU for the past 5 years, I am excited to be part of the new Personal Learning Advisory Service, supporting underrepresented students on a caseload basis, to help them achieve their full potential. Prior to the OU my experience included teaching within a secondary school and before that, working within the welfare-to-work sector as an adviser to disadvantaged individuals- all of which has provided an extensive insight into the barriers students from diverse backgrounds can face in Higher Education. My qualifications include, a BSc in Human Resource Management, PGCE, Qualified Teacher Status and an MA in Education with commendation.

Patricia Gowie – Personal Learning Advisor

I have worked in Higher Education for over 20 years, providing advice and guidance to a diverse body of students. Much of my work during this time has centred around supporting disadvantaged and underrepresented groups, with a particular focus on improving access, outcomes and the overall learning experience of students with a disability and those studying in secure environments. My career at the Open University started back in 1999 as an Educational Adviser. I have since worked at other institutions where I have been actively involved in various widening participation and outreach initiatives. When I am not working, I enjoy playing tennis and helping to manage a small family run business.

Richard Peat – Personal Learning Advisor

I have been employed within education and/or local government for 30 years having had the opportunity to work within every section of education, starting as a Primary School Teacher, becoming a Careers Adviser working in Secondary Schools, progressing to adult careers guidance delivering in FE Colleges and Adult Education, qualifying as an NVQ Assessor and Internal Verifier then spending 7 years delivering a careers service within a Creative Arts University. Along the way I worked as a training manager within Connexions, qualified as a Life Coach, managed an adult careers service, was an Enterprise Co-ordinator for the Careers & Enterprise Company and created and delivered skills projects in four different council areas. At the core of my practice is delivering client centred support to each individual based on their own specific needs and my experience of delivering mentoring, coaching and advising has covered a wide range of people from all backgrounds and including clients on Autistic Spectrum, with dyslexia or with other physical or mental health conditions.