Studying

[handeme]

I am after a little bit of advice.

I currently study with the open university and I am not getting on with it at all, I am finding it really difficult and the support from the tutors is not very good, I have had two different tutor for two different modules and after each study session I came away with nothing.

When the new changes come into place in September what are the minimum requirements we need to have?

Also is anyone else studying anything different away from the OU. I am want to study to gain more qualifications but ideally don't want to be a childminder for the rest of my working time, so any qualifications I do I want to be able to carry over to another job (will be with children) x

[vikkit]

I can't really give you any advice, sorry...

But I was wanting to study at OU to train in midwifery. How do you go about something like that?

I hope someone comes along to advise you!! Xx

[Little Puddings]

I have studied with the OU for years, started in 1999 but had a break after having my first child, went back to it in 2005 when no 3 was 1 and I'm still studying, finished my degree in 2009 (mostly computer related) I did the first presentation on E100 to gain my level 4, Certificate in Early Years Practice as I had no formal child care qualifications. I'm currently doing my last postgraduate module for my Masters of Education. I have become an OU addict.
Only ever had the same tutor for two courses once but they were maths ones and I did both courses at the same time.
Some tutors provide great support some don't. I usually struggle to get to tutorials. You are very much on your own with distance learning. Do you use the module forums? They can be very helpful.

What modules have you done? PM me if you want, I'm happy to help if I can.
It took me years to get used to it and I am still learning new things.

S

[manjay]

I signed up for OU and then decided it wasn't for me. Luckily my local Uni were just piloting online courses which I started as a combination of classroom study and online study. I very soon moved to doing it all online even though I only live 20 minutes from the Uni. I have found the support offered both from fellow students and tutors is fantastic. Since I completed my FD they have now put plans in place so you can specialise in different subjects which looks great. I had a year off (as the online top up was still being developed) and I am now onto the last module of the first year.

So what I am saying is don't give up. If you want to study there will be a way to do it that suits you.

These are the details of my course and for anyone looking please don't be put off by the fact the Uni is in Wales. I would say 80% of students are from England and the course is written to accommodate students from both countries

[sarah707]

I didn't get on with OU - I enjoyed the learning but I found the essay writing too restrictive - but then I've always got more to say than the word count

I know Manjay had a very different experience through her Uni course so that might be something to explore.

There will be a new qualification soon for EYTs - but this blog (by someone I respect and who knows what he is talking about) is not hopeful

Inside the secret garden: When is a teacher not a teacher?

Hth

[handeme]

It is so frustrating, I know I can study I studied law for many years before coming a child under but I just can't get to grips with studying with tyhe OU. I looked at play workers degrees over the weekend. What I wasn't sure on whether this would be fine to study, don't you have to have a minimum qualification in childcare from September?

[partyrings]

I am currently studing a foundation degree in early years at university. It is a two year course with the opition of a top up to BA Hons in the third. I attend once a week in the evening and twice (once) a month. I find it helps going to lectures, having other childcare providers to talk to and mainly if I get stuck or worried about something I know the lecturer and they know me.

[jackie 7]

I did my BA with the ou. I nearly gave up in year 2 as I found the teacher rubbish. Then I had one who was amazing. Keep going and find the forums for your course.