The Good Study Guide (Open University in general)

Member Name: pebbles

Product:	Open University in general
Date:	08/03/01 (198 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: boosts your confidence, interesting subjects and you are learning

Disadvantages: you have to be prepared to make the effort and put the hours in to study

Fear of learning? I had this fear, thought I'd never be able to do it again, I haven't written an essay in 20 years!

I've wanted to start an OU course for a couple of years, never knowing exactly what I would like to try, felt I wouldn't be talented enough. I enjoy reading but find it hard to concentrate for long periods on non-fiction. Reading the newspaper was as far as I got.

Then I discovered they had introduced an 'Openings course' which was designed for people just like me who felt they needed to refresh their skills. It's an ideal way to get back into learning, it's not a big expense or for a long period of time. The course lasts 14 weeks, although they allow 20 weeks for you to complete it. You are expected to complete 3 assignments and work your way through the course books.

The course books are very easy to follow and the activities help you retain the information. You are learning without too much stress. You can work at your own speed providing you hand in the assignments by the dates that you are given. You are regularly contacted by a tutor who helps you through the whole course, they do not pressure you and make it very informal so you can relax and enjoy the studying.

The course work includes a book called The Good Study Guide by Andrew Northledge. This book is superb for getting you back into the swing of it all again. It guides you through getting organised, how to read and analyse text and understand what you have read, how to take notes, how to write an essay and study for exams. There isn't an exam at the end of the opening course, it is purely to assist you with learning again.

You need to make the time to perform the activities and do the reading, but it is enjoyable and it boost your confidence.

I was surprsied how much information I had remembered from my school days and about topics I hadn't given much thought for many years.

A great way
to start your journey to a degree if you intend to take it that far.

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