I'm having a wobble - can someone give me some encouragement please?

[Callisto]

Hi all, I'm currently on my second OU course. It is a level 1 science course and thus far I have been really enjoying it. Today, though, I had a major crisis of confidence. I absolutely couldn't come up the solution to the question asked and it has really shaken me. I now really don't think that I am up to doing a science degree - even a relatively 'soft' one like Natural Sciences. I feel really stretched, what with my work, my DD and this course.

I guess I would like to know if it is normal to feel this way (overwhelmed and way too stupid)?

Hi Callisto

Its perfectly normal. I am on my 8th OU course (my first at level 3) and I am having frequent wobbles. I am also 'difficult' to live with at the moment according to my family!

First thing to remember is that you are not alone. Get on the forums for your course ...there will be many others in the same situation. Secondly, stick with it and chip away. A little progress is better than none. If the question is in your course book then don't sweat. Move on and quite often the answer will become clear to you. Make a note and discuss it at a tutorial if neccessary or ask your tutor (thats what they are there for )

What course are you doing?

Hi Change - the course is S104. I am struggling with problem solving using equations. I would try the forums but they are totally dead. Not at all like my last course.

Thanks so much for the encouragement - it is what I need. I think also I am just exhausted mentally from the work I do (for myself, 3 clients, more work than I can handle) plus trying not to let it all have too negative an impact on DD, who is 6. DH is brilliant, but I just have too much to do and not enough hours in the day. I need to manage my time better and get my arse off MN...

What degree are you doing btw? (Very impressed that you're level 3)

Callisto I've done S103 back in 2006, which is the same course, can I help? PM me if you want
I'm on my 2nd level 3 course and am always wobbling, but just have to keep going. You can do it

have done S104 but in my day was called S103! It is challenging and there is a lot of work. For my own sanity I only do 30 points a year now but it obviously is a very slow route.

From the maths point of view....I hated maths and was useless until I joined the OU. Did 2 maths course MSt121 and MU120 - they were great and really built my confidence.

Try OpenLearn ....The OU provide free course materials online and you may find your maths query within the material. That will require some time. I think there is also a book called the good science guide? from the ou. cost about £12 covers everything from essay writing to mathematical problems.

I have 3 kids but dont work and struggle so hats off to you for juggling it.

My degree is a mix of maths and sciences. So it will be combined studies BSC.

Remember to keep your eye on the prize. Sometimes it will be hard, sometimes you will not do as well as you hoped but the real winners are those who stick at it.

I sm on a level 3 course and feel like my brain is actually sore from trying to figure it out.

Thanks so much everyone. I had been labled 'useless at maths' at school and had a real mental block about it. My first course S154, really boosted my confidence and I am feeling much more positive this morning. I just need to get through the next week and get my next TMA in then I'm on holiday for 10 days. Bliss.

I was thinking about doing the 10 point maths for science course during the summer but I think I may hold fire on that until I've finished S104.

I am doing an Earth Science degree. I was at best average at Maths at school, and was really worried about not being able to get my head round some of the Chemistry and physics-y stuff. It was hard, I won't lie, but I just found that if I worked at it, and did practice after practice, it would eventually click. And then I would find myself thinking- why did nobody explain it like this at school? It would have been so much easier! So stick at it, and I'm sure it'll come to you eventually.