PDA fae

Tag: Open University

  • Module begins

    It’s the first week of the module, and I’m a week ahead. That’s because the website opens before the module commences, not because I’m superhuman and studied two weeks in the first week of term.

    It definitely feels better to be a week ahead. There’s less sense of pressure, and if I can keep up this way, I can take a rest week if I need to. I’m not sure if it’s going to be possible to get any further ahead with this module. Every week involves a lot of notetaking, so cramming two weeks into one would be very intense.

    I feel more confident now that I’ve managed a week of study in an actual week. Prior to the module starting it had taken me two or so weeks to complete the first weeks study – I think having the actual time pressure helped me register the importance.

    I like that this module moves frequently between sciences, that will keep my brain engaged and curious. I have to think about it little bit by little bit, because thinking all the way to May makes me feel rather overwhelmed. Instead, I’m trying to think in terms of tutor marked assignment (TMA), by TMA. Taking each one in turn, and focusing on the work each one needs as they come up.

    The TMAs on this module are lengthier than I’ve been used to on my previous module – rather more demanding! With gentle self care, perseverance and persistence, I shall tackle each one with mindfulness of demand anxiety. I foresee a lot of demand free time in my future!

  • How does a PDAer study?

    I have a lot of demand anxiety about studying right now, so I’m going to avoid by making a post about what usually helps me to study. This may or may not work for you, or it may help you think on what would work for you to be a student – take or leave whatever does or doesn’t feel right.

    1. ‘Just prepping’
      • This involves getting the layout of the desk right. Loading my OU page that I need. Writing out the title, date etc on the page. Sometimes telling myself ‘I’m just gonna prep’ gets me going (and today, it wasn’t enough.)
    2. Just do five minutes
      • Set a timer for 5 minutes. I promise myself I can definitely stop after 5 minutes – but I try and get that amount done. I’ll have 5 minutes more work done than I would, I might find my flow.
    3. Avoid one study task with another
      • Too anxious to make new notes? I review some old ones. Or type up handwritten notes into new. Or work on a different section of the course – the OU is very useful for this, because you can leave something you avoided unchecked, so I know to return when I feel able.
    4. Set a flexible study calendar
      • I find it best to put loads of potential sessions into a schedule, and then use flexibility with them.
    5. Study at the Open University
      • Lower social demands. Eased me into studying in the first module. Flexibility on when and where to study – no requirement to attend lectures in person. Not even a requirement to attend tutorials unless I think it’ll help. I also get to study the Open Degree, where I can freely choose my modules (Undergrad and Masters available.)
    6. Following my passions
      • For me this ties into the Open Degree. I don’t have to force myself to study any modules that aren’t truly interesting to me. This could also look like studying your dream subject.
    7. Pomodoro
      • This is a technique of studying for X amount of time, and then a break. Usually it’s 25 minutes, can be 50. Could be much less if that’s what I need.
    8. Twitch study with me streams
      • I love these. You get a little community to chat with on breaks, gentle study music playing to keep you focused, and the sight of someone actively studying as you go. Very helpful with ADHD-blocks.
    9. I believe the OU will have some study with me sessions as well, and they have an Study With Me discord.

    These little ideas help keep me on track most of the time. And writing this has me feeling more inspired to Study!

  • The benefits of distance learning

    For a little while now I’ve been a student at the Open University. I studied previously, in my twenties, at Cardiff University. My previous degree subject was psychology, now it’s the Open Degree. I only obtained a Diploma of Higher Education last time, due to struggling with undiagnosed autism, ADHD, my first full blown manic episode, and being unsupported in recovering from trauma. All in all, my previous experience of study was not a great one. The expectation to attend lectures at a given time, for example, did not sit well with my PDA. I also struggled with the expectations around required reading – mostly because we were left to discern for ourselves what was necessary to read and in what detail. This was very difficult for me, not helped by a hyperfixation on my trauma leaving me only able to work on my coursework. We were set coursework each week, as well, giving me no time to dedicate to catching up on reading in these circumstances.

    Study at the OU is much more suited to me. We can work at whatever time suits us, as the materials are online and in a provided textbook. The tutorials are usually recorded, and are not mandatory to attend. It’s ok to get ahead, or fall behind – everything is on your own schedule. I like to stay on top of things, working on the week that corresponds to the dates suggested, as this makes me feel in control of my studies. I prefer the way that the OU study builds you up slowly, and also helps teach you study skills as an inherent part of the course – sometimes my understanding is really good, but my skills at study are weak. I used to excel in a classroom based environment, but that didn’t adequately prepare me for the independence of university level study my first time around. I feel the OU are much better at bridging this gap, and making sure you acquire these skills as you go – rather than expecting students to just ‘figure it out’.

    I much prefer this format of delivery of content as well. I like that everything is either online or in written format, and that I can work on it where ever I can transport my devices to, and get internet connection. It provides a sense of freedom that I find really helpful, as I’m not limited to a university library, lecture hall or my bedroom in student halls.

    So far, study with the OU has been a far more positive experience and I’m so glad I’ve given it a try.