Hello!

So this is my first blog post since I started my Open University Course in March as any available time I had went on studying. I chose to study the Y183 Psychology Openings course. This course is designed to give you an introduction to studying particularly if you haven't studied for many years like me. I left school at 16 and went straight into work. I stayed at my last job for 9 years before being made redundant when i was pregnant with my daughter.

I decided to study for many reasons. firstly, I wanted to start using my brain again, being a Mum is physically challenging but much less mentally! Also, when the children start school I would like to go back to work and currently have no idea what I would like to do so I thought I would look into other options. I wanted to be able to add something new to my CV just to show that I am interested in bettering myself. And also, I wanted to set an example to my children. I don't want them to just think of me as a mum who just goes to playgroups and cooks them fish fingers!

About the course.

Once I signed up, the OU started sending me emails through with information I would need to know. I was called by a friendly lady explaining when I would receive my books and hear from my tutor and who to call should I have any problems. Shortly after I received my course materials. It was a canvas bag which contained The OU text book, the assignment booklet and a DVD. I then received an email from my tutor introducing himself saying that he would call me in due course.

My first conversation with my tutor was a brief but friendly chat where he was able to put my fears at rest. He was a friendly person who was very keen to explain that everyone works are their own pace depending on their life style. We arranged to have fortnightly calls for the duration of the course.

I got stuck into the text book and immediately found it fascinating. The text is broken up with little tasks to do which help re-enforce what you've just read and learned.  I started off by reading once the kids had gone to bed in the evening but often found I was too tired and I discovered I was able to absorb much more when I read the book during the day while Ayrton napped and Amelia was at nursery.

When it came to my first TMA (Tutor Marked Assignment) I couldn't wait to get my teeth into it. I found sticking to 1000 words a real challenge but this is where the assignments teach you to write clearly and succinctly without rambling on and on. My tutor gave me a lot of guidance on this during and after. The feedback was very detailed so I could really see where I had gone wrong and what I had done right.

By the time it came for me to do the final EMA (Examiner Marked Assignment) I felt quite nervous about submitting it I was worried about the idea of failing the course and what people would say but I realised its not about passing or failing it was about the course itself. I had gained confidence in my writing skills and evidence gathering and my tutor finished his final conversation with me by saying he fully believed in my abilities achieve the degree if I chose to.
I am going to seriously think about this but I know I wont' be ready to do it until both children are at school or nursery when I have more time to myself during the day.

On the whole I can really recommend the Openings Courses with the OU and if you're thinking about it just give it a go as there really is nothing to loose.