Open University - lack of motivation

[stinky]

Is anyone out there studying for an OU course? If so are you finding a distinct lack of motivation due to summer hols approaching, hot weather etc....

I am studying Childhood at Level 2 this year, and although it is extremely interesting, I just can't seem to motivate myself. The exam is looming and I know I have to do some serious revision if I even want to pass but I can't seem to get motivated. Any tips or anyone else studying?

[mears]

I need motivation as well. I have an assignment to submit in August but can't get down to it.

[hmb]

Me too! I'm trying to write up Level 2 of my PGCE with the OU. I have 3 assignments still to do, and even doing the ironing seems preferable. Should we set up a support group and check on each others progress??? Oh, and my date is a week tomorrow! Panic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[stinky]

Glad I'm not the only one!

hmb - support group sounds good. I agree about ironing - I've just cleaned the loo!! Is that going too far?

Mears - which course are you doing?

Has anyone used substitution, or is that just me being really lazy?!? I know I should do the assignment but it's really tempting to substitute it as it's the last one I can do this with. I feel I should concentrate more on revision as I have real problems with exams.

Anyone thought about next year's course - I'm thinking about a Foundation Degree in Early Years but not sure about doing it with OU or FE College - any views?

Ooooh must go, the kitchen floor needs cleaning!!

[hmb]

Don't know about the Early Years Degree, but the PGCE is of a very high standard, very rigorous. I'm 2/3 of the way through it and I have already got a job starting in September as a result. The school is givivng me a sabatical for a term so I can finish next year.

I swear, to Mumsnet, that I will have competed my assessment on Effective teaching by 3 this afternoon!

Check up on me girls! And Nag!

[Tinker]

I substituted last year, stinky. Worked out that it wouldl't nmake any difference to overall mark if I did it so.... But then I'm very lazy.

[nettie]

Also trying to do double weighted essay, before ds breaks up next week! Course doesn't allow this essay to be substituted or else I would. Must have been a man that came up with the idea of giving students a double weighted essay at the begining of the summer holidays, when your also bogged down with school trips, sports days not to mention bb4! Sorry no motivational tips,just adding to the knowledge that your not alone.

[cazzybabs]

Well I had just finished the nasty eassy of my course and posted it a day late (having already had a day extension) and lo and behold (because it was late and I was in a ruch) I didn't get proof of posting and it still hasn't got to my tutor's house. This isn't too bad as she is really nice and said just get me another copy ASAP as she is going to teach at summer school on sat. So I have printed off another copy, but one bit (a really really important bit) - a anyalsis of a video I just had my handwritten notes which I posted!!!! SO now I am having to do that bit again!!!

Stinky - the thing about substitution is you never are going to get as a higher mark as if you did all of your eassys!!!

[Lil]

hmb, I am debating whether to do an OU or normal uni PGCE course. The nursery fees on top of not earning for a year has put me off taking the whole year out for the 'normal' PGCE. Please can you tell me if you get much flexibility out of the OU course? as there is stilll the 26 weeks of school experience to do I'm not sure what I'm saving by doing it at home...have you got pre-schoolers to deal with as well? how do you do it???

all info gratefully received!!