Open University Chat Thread

So I need to supply 3 academic references for my postgraduate applications. Does anyone know how I go about obtaining those? Can OU tutors write references or is it difficult given the circumstances of distance learning etc?

Currently seeking inspiration to complete MS221 TMA03 (due in 4th April, but I like to be way ahead cos I'm studying 3 x 30 credit modules).

After battling MST121 Block C (calculus) and then having a month off to do Block 1 of easy T173 (no maths!) I really can't be bothered to go back to battling my way through integration again (no doubt I've already forgotten most of what I learned in MST121)..

My memory seems to be like a sift. I read the books, do the TMA.. get good marks, then forget... Exam in June should be fun

I thought exactly the same when I was doing MST121. I'd done the TMA's then got them back and wondered what the heck I was talking about. It was a mixture of scary (because it'd be needed later) and frustrating (because of the time it took to get through and seemingly coming out with nothing).

Turns out I was wrong though, and it was sinking in, though it didn't feel like it at the time. For me, the maths usually goes:

1) Read the book, struggle, finally understand, practice, complete the assignment.
2) Get assignment back and realise that I didn't commit anything to memory and get annoyed.
3) Have a quick skim over the book again and notice that actually, most of it did sink in as bits come flooding back. If it took me an hour the first time around, it might take a few minutes and a couple of practice questions for it all to come back.
4) Realise that by doing that, some gaps were filled and what I did remember was reinforced. It's at this point it starts to get stuck long term.

Since realising all of my study seems to follow the above pattern, it's allowed me to relax a bit as I know it's sinking in, even if it doesn't feel like it at the time. What you say certainly sounds very familiar

Edit - there is form of attempted advice buried in there, it's just verging on incoherence due to coffee.

I've been asked to submit a dummy eTMA, does anyone know what this really means? Does it have to be about what we're working on? A blank document? A random sentence?

The individual course fees for October 2012 starters have not been released yet, however the OU has said that as a general guide 60 point modules will cost £2500, so 30 points should be £1250 and 15 credits £625. 10 and 20 credit modules may vary. Business and law modules have often had a premium added but we don’t know if that will be the case now. Residential/ practical modules usually have a premium as well. For example the L1 science practical residential module costs 3 times more than the home based science practical module. Hope that helps.

Thanks, that helps a lot. Have been having a nose around the website, and the fees are generally similar to what you've posted. Must say If I weren't so poor I'd be interested in a fair few courses

The website was a bit confusing really, so was wondering if I could just get a general overview. It's fine though if you're not able to do that if courses etc are varied. Just wondering roughly how much they cost. Not sure what a DSA is also?

So I need to supply 3 academic references for my postgraduate applications. Does anyone know how I go about obtaining those? Can OU tutors write references or is it difficult given the circumstances of distance learning etc?

Woop woop, 97% in my first T173 TMA

smarty pants.. What level are you doing?

I'm struggling with this TMA and it's due by the end of today. It's the final TMA before the EMA and worth 50%. I was hoping to push the boat out to get big marks but left it late again and it really is quite tricky so I'm just putting words to paper and hoping for the best. I'll take a pass atm and hopefully try to make up for losst ground on the remaining tmas and the emas and thee exams. So stressed.

It was only a level 1 half TMA so nothing to get too excited about, but still happy gives me a bit of a boost.




What module is this for / whats the TMA about?

tma 2 for b629 managing 2: marketing and finace about a budget information problem. It's completely stumped me. I've been sat at my desk for hours and only manage 500 odd words so far. Need to do 1500 words then a portfolio for my activities and also a summary so it's gonna be a long night.

Oooh 30 creds at L3 with no exam, the dream!

Wow yeah that is a lot that needs to be done Managing / Finance isn't my cup of tea.. Just get as much done as you can, anything's better than nothing. Have you just left things too late or been busy with other stuff?

mixture of both really and I can't ask for an extension.

Just aim for 40% eh? Better than failing I suppose

It now means I effectively need to get 90%+ in all my remaining assignments to guarantee that 2:1 minimum meaning I'd need to really focus on the next assignments in good time and absorb everything like a sponge. After this my next one's due in on the 29th and then the 4th March soo as soon as this one is done I'll get cracking on the next ones.