Open University students

[RainbowsStars]

Are there any others around?
I'm struggling with a horrible TMA and feel like quitting so I could do with some motivational don't give up stuff or any advice...TIA

Have you checked if your module has a Facebook page? I found that invaluable for support

Apparently there is one but it's a secret group so I can't find the details.

Weird. They're often closed so you need to ask to join. Maybe start one and see if anyone joins - you won't be the only one looking

What's the module?

Is your tutor approachable? They normally do anything possible to keep you on the course. Why not contact him/her to say you are struggling with this one.

You could try posting in the OUSA forums rather than the official OU one for your course for some moral support. For my course there is a survivors forum plus a cafe forum as well as one for the current course.

What course are you studying?

Thanks, I'll look on OUSA. My tutor is OK but she's not answering her phone at the moment (not surprised on a lovely day like this!)

It's a 3rd level research course.

Are you doing EK313?

Yes.

Don't give up! I wanted to do that course but it did not start at the time I needed it to.

Doing an OU degree is one of the hardest things you will ever do.

Two things, firstly do not give up as you have come so far already and it would be silly to give up now. Is the assignment substitutable? How much have you done so far? When is it due in? Spoken to tutor yet?
It feels so bad when you have a tma deadline, lile you couldn't possibly cope. But when you click submit...ahhhh....that feeling is awesome.

Secondly, I know all of this because I have just finished my degree, last week. I really do understand, I have been there, for 5 years full of tears.

But now I feel so proud of myself. I am planning what to wear to my graduation this year. I cannot wait! It still feels a bit weird but I feel less stressed already but already miss it.

You are doing a great thing, anything is negotiable too, in terms of deadlines etc. Beleive me I know

Where are you up to with it now?

Try writing down your thoughts about the TMA.

It's OK to say you hate it, and feel like giving up. Write down anything! What you do know. What you don't know. Where you're stuck - exactly where you're stuck (if you are). What you'd tell a friend if she was doing it. What you know you need to cover. What you're not sure about. What you'd write if you knew what you were doing. Any key ideas or outcomes you need to consider.

Just keep writing. You'll soon see what you need to do to get moving.

Thank you :) 700 words in and I think I know what I am doing now, or at least I know what direction I'm going in with it and it'd jolly well better be right :)

Congrats on your graduation :)

Good for you OP - keep going! :)

I did that module last year. I remember feeling exactly the same as you. Keep going! I found it gets better when you get to the point where you're choosing the research papers to discuss. It's worth it in the end I promise!

Thanks. The tma I am on is the one where we discuss the research papers.

If you go onto the forums for your group and ask about a Facebook page, I bet there will be one, most courses do and someone on there will send you a link or invite your if you give them your name etc. I wouldn't have completed my course last year if it wasn't for the support on there. Then when it came to our 3 hour exam at the end we could meet for a coffee to calm the nerves and discuss afterwards etc :)