Seriously thinking of packing in my new OU module

[IAmRubyLennox]

I've nearly finished E111 which will give me a Certificate in Supporting Learning in Primary Schools. I've really loved it, and I've done well on all the assignments so far (78s on them all, know I've done enough on the TMAs to pass already), and it's proved really useful for work.

I knew that at the end of it I could cash it in as a qualification in its own right, or use it as a level 1 module towards the teaching assistants' Foundation Degree. For some reason, last summer, the latter seemed the better option so I signed up for U212 to start at the end of January.

Well since then, a load of things have happened. DH has gone from a home-every-night job to one where he's away Mon - Fri for work (we have 3 DCs and no local family support). I've started a new job working 5 days a week rather than 4. Also, loads of people have questioned why I'm bothering doing a foundation degree when I already have a BA(Hons), which has forced me to ask myself the same question. I wouldn't be doing U212 now had I not already paid for it.

I'm finding U212 hard going, it's not beyond me academically, but there's a hell of a lot of work to fit around 3 DCs, a f/t job, no DH around and another OU course.

I just got TMA01 back and I've just scraped a pass (40) and all the tutor's comments are very scathing and patronising, and I just feel really really shit about it. I just haven't got the time now or the reason to do it, but if I pack it in, I've just written off £700.

Also, I've always been really high-flying academically and I feel like it's a massive failure if I give up a level 2 module. But I do feel like if I had a reason to do it plus more time, support etc. then it wouldn't be too difficult.

WWYD?

i did u212 a couple of years ago and there is a lot of work to it but really enjoyed it. i am working towards my degree in childhood and youth studies and have two more courses to go after the one i am doing now.

i know what you are going through trying to find the time but it is well worth it in the end plus you would have lost that money (Thats what has kept me going sometimes). i get ds to bed at 7.50pm and then spend from 8-9pm studying. i also study during my lunch break at work. doing little bits at a time. i also found dictating things so i can listen back to them helps as i can do that when i am shopping etc

look at the tmas and only study what you have to for now. you can then go back and revise for your exam some missing modules (you only have to revise three of the four books! so in effect you can skip a whole book apart from the bits you need for the tma. also see if there is a facebook page for the course as that is a big help if you are stuck.

I did an OU course a few years back and although it was a lot of work, I loved it. However, roll on this year I started another OU course and I just couldn't find/didn't want to make the time. My life had changed, my motivation depleted and it just didn't seem worth it. You can get a credit note if you are not too far along, to use within 18 months. I have lost a lot of money but hey ho.

Would it be possible for you to ask for an Interrupted Study break? Some modules offer this and it might be all you need to let you have a breather while you get used to your new routine.

I'd also suggest having a conversation with your tutor. I've only had one horrible tutor, but she was completely demotivating. This one bad TMA might just be a blip, and a conversation might help you figure that out. If you think the two of you are just not able to work together, it might be worth re-thinking your plans.

Your not a quitter though. Your situation has changed, and you need to allow yourself that.

Good luck.

Thank you for all your answers, it's encouraging to hear that you don't think I'm being pathetic!

There is a massive discrepancy between what I earn and what DH earns, i.e. his daily rate is the equivalent to what I earn in a month. So although he always stresses that it's 'our' money, there's no way I could have paid for this course based on my own income. If I'd just paid for it out of my own salary / savings then I think I would probably give it up and chalk it up to experience, but when he's been so supportive I feel really bad.

Going to phone the OU this afternoon and discuss options.

Update...

I think I love the careers adviser lady at Learner Support!

She was really terrifically helpful, withdrew me from U212, sorted out a credit note for me and helped me identify another module that while it won't give me any specific qualification in its own right, will be massively useful for my work in school.

Thanks especially petitema for alerting me to the possibility of doing this at all, I am soooooooo relieved I can't begin to describe to you!

If you already have an honours degree, why don't you look at the postgraduate courses at the OU instead? They may be a better use of your time and money.