Ash Odedra

What do you teach at the OU?

W111 Introduction to Criminal Law and W260 International, Environmental and Space Law

What is your background?

I became an Associate Lecturer (AL) with the Open University (OU) in 2015. Prior to this I studied for my LLB in law at Lancaster University, and then completed the Legal Practice Course with the College of Law. Following this, I worked for city law firms in commercial and intellectual property litigation.

I re-trained as a legal educator by studying for a PGCE at Greenwich University and then successfully became Head of law and Quality Manager at a large Further Education College in London where I was awarded a commendation for achieving continued success in achieving high results in law for the department. I then transitioned into higher education and became module lead for undergraduate and post-graduate law at the international school for King’s College London. Whilst at the Open University, I completed my Master’s in Law LLM and am working towards SFHEA.

I am currently a Student Experience Manager in FBL and continue to teach law with the OU.

What led you to teaching at the OU?

I really enjoy playing a part in helping to develop the knowledge and skills of our learners. Its mission statement accords with my values of being open to “people, places, methods and ideas”.

Once joining the OU, I can truly say that teaching here has given me the privilege to work with students of different ages, races, genders and all aspects of their differing backgrounds. I have taught OU modules online as well as in various centres across the UK.

I value the opportunity of providing support to students flexibly whether online, face to face, in secure environments via the phone and email.

What do you like about teaching at the OU?

I really like working for the OU as it allows both students and ALs to work flexibly in a way that meets the needs of both parties.

I have found that a large proportion of my students work, have children, take on a range of learning needs, and many are returning to learning after a significant period of “time out” from education. I find the flexible delivery of modules empower students by offering them a choice of learning events they can attend to suit their circumstances.

ALs, like myself, are empowered to teach a range of events at different times any day of the week.

Personally, I feel proud to be part of an organisation that provides choice and opportunities for both students and its staff. The OU collectively provides us the space in which to bring all our expertise and ideas to a place where we can truly help students realise their study and future career ambitions.