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Skills for OU Study

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If you fall behind

It might help you to know that nearly all students get behind sometime – it’s quite normal, so don't panic.

  • Ask for advice as soon as you realise there is a problem. Your tutor or regional centre will be able to advise you.

  • If a particular aspect of the course is slowing you down, speak to the tutor, who may be able to clarify things for you.

  • If you can’t make it to a tutorial, let the tutor know beforehand and ask for a copy of any notes provided.

  • Ask your tutor for permission to submit an assignment late if necessary.

  • Study smart – check the rules on substitution and on which assignments are compulsory.

  • If you have difficulties or are ill around the time of the final exam, your tutor or regional centre may be able to help.

  • If circumstances are such that you are considering giving up, please talk to your tutor or regional centre first. One possible solution could be to defer study until a later date, but this could affect your future plans and financial commitment to the course.

Video

Watch - If you fall behind (SWF, 3.9MB)

Watch video (SWF, 3.9MB)

  • Duration: 1 min 06 secs

Note: you will need your OU computer username and password to access the video clip.

Video

Watch - Emma's advice for students who fall behind (SWF, 3.5MB)

Watch video (SWF, 3.5MB)

  • Duration: 1 min 13 secs

Note: you will need your OU computer username and password to access the video clip.

I was really falling behind and posted a jokey message on the course online forum 'Anyone got any tips? I'm losing the plot' and I got loads of support! I was amazed that people bothered. I got everything from ideas of where to focus particularly (and what to skip over), to hearing that other people had got behind as well and how they worked through it, to being nagged into joining an informal group of students nearby at a local pub to brainstorm the section giving me grief. It really helped me get back on track.

Focus

Check what material is the focus of the next assignment – maybe you can concentrate on that and give less time to the rest of the section.

OU websites

  • Assessment
  • Substitution
  • Assessment calculator
  • When studying gets tough
Related pages
Planning and prioritising
Study goals
Distractions and procrastination
Helpful time management tips

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This website is developed and maintained by Learning Design & Technology (SS/TLS/LDT). This page was last updated on Monday April 27, 2009.

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