Give up distance learning and start again?

I've recently finished my Level 5 Certificate in HRM via Mixed mode/distance learning. I don't know how the courses differ, but I had an allocated Coach/Assessor who I was able to go through assignments with, particularly if there was anything I didn't understand. Once the language was 'explained' it made a lot more sense. I was also lucky in that working in Local Government I work in a large team and was allocated a Mentor as further support, particularly in relation to applying my organisational knowledge etc to the assignments.
When I started the assignment I didn't think I would be able to demonstrate negotiating, influencing or persuading skills in my role, but I was still able to demonstrate the skills in a wider context albeit not directly HR related (e.g IT project skills).
As I was provided with a Reading list I bought the main core text book - Studying Human Resource Management - by Stephen Taylor and Carol Woodhams and there is also a book available for the optional modules Human Resource Management: People and Organisations -
by Stephen Taylor and Carol Woodhams.
Even with all the support outlined above and have previously completed a degree (albeit in very different subject area) I did find it challenging, so don't give up and you will get there (I did!). Although you may decide you prefer the college style of learning.
I have often seen people on this forum asking to pair up with others studying and also what about your Local CIPD branch (who may offer mentoring?)

Thanks Clare. I don’t think the course providers I’ve gone with are the best and my employer (left there now) wasn’t supportive. Lisa

I found out I really wasn't suited to distance learning - I just don't process information well from a text book and just can't translate that to application at all. It was very difficult and had a poor effect on my confidence - I felt I was thick for not being able to get on with it like others were.

I quit and went on weekly day release to Uni and had a much better time, being able to connect with the cohort who were also exploring academic language and approaches to assignments. It allowed me to discuss on a weekly basis the things that I'd gone away and processed from the last session - It wasn't easy but I flourished and completed my post grad with merit. I'm also still in touch with my cohort, we meet regularly and share information, jobs and whatnot.

It was the making of my HR career so don't be afraid to really examine how you learn and process information and choose the delivery that suits you.

Hi Lisa,

I did CIPD Level 5 via distance learning and completed last year.

Although I wouldn't recommend my particular provider again (lack of choice at the time) there were a few tricks I employed to ensure completion;
- As Clare said, you should have a tutor - if they aren't forthcoming, there should also be a course leader who may have introduced themselves at the sign up period, or just be noted amongst all your materials - speak to them.
- Use the student services to help - usually really quick to respond, and they can chase up your tutor/assessor if necessary. Remember, you've paid for service so make sure you try everything before giving up
- I had an online forum of peers and cohort on the course - I found if I asked there and we generated enough discussion, a tutor usually commented as well to confirm if we were right or wrong in our interpretations
- You should be able to get a marking sheet for each assignment, so you can see what marks will be given for what in your assignment, This usually guides as to how much to write and in what detail - something worth only 2 marks was a small paragraph. Something worth 8 marks required a page to itself etc.
- You usually get 2 attempts at submission for each assignment. You may not feel that the first assignment is submission ready, but that could be your own self-doubt. Bite the bullet and submit it. You'll get feedback on what you did well and where further improvement is needed - this will steer you for further assignments.
- Again, my course had live classes online where you could interact with your cohort in real time - we were spread globally, so it was fascinating to hear what others said and this prompted me to consider how I did apply the different skills, although I didn't recognise it before someone else pointed it out.
- I got myself exercise books; as I worked through the online learning, I took meticulous notes and treated my laptop like a teacher. The bonus for distance learning for me was I totally went at my own pace - I did not have to wait for others in the class, or feel rushed ahead due to timings.

The first assignment is the biggest hurdle, but once done your understanding of the way it works does increase, which leads to easier follow on assignments. If it were me, I would persevere - if only for budget reasons! Like Clare I bought the core book to use as my main guide. Most others I could find enough of online to complete assignments.

Kind regards,
Laura

Hi Lisa,

I did CIPD Level 5 via distance learning and completed last year.

Although I wouldn't recommend my particular provider again (lack of choice at the time) there were a few tricks I employed to ensure completion;
- As Clare said, you should have a tutor - if they aren't forthcoming, there should also be a course leader who may have introduced themselves at the sign up period, or just be noted amongst all your materials - speak to them.
- Use the student services to help - usually really quick to respond, and they can chase up your tutor/assessor if necessary. Remember, you've paid for service so make sure you try everything before giving up
- I had an online forum of peers and cohort on the course - I found if I asked there and we generated enough discussion, a tutor usually commented as well to confirm if we were right or wrong in our interpretations
- You should be able to get a marking sheet for each assignment, so you can see what marks will be given for what in your assignment, This usually guides as to how much to write and in what detail - something worth only 2 marks was a small paragraph. Something worth 8 marks required a page to itself etc.
- You usually get 2 attempts at submission for each assignment. You may not feel that the first assignment is submission ready, but that could be your own self-doubt. Bite the bullet and submit it. You'll get feedback on what you did well and where further improvement is needed - this will steer you for further assignments.
- Again, my course had live classes online where you could interact with your cohort in real time - we were spread globally, so it was fascinating to hear what others said and this prompted me to consider how I did apply the different skills, although I didn't recognise it before someone else pointed it out.
- I got myself exercise books; as I worked through the online learning, I took meticulous notes and treated my laptop like a teacher. The bonus for distance learning for me was I totally went at my own pace - I did not have to wait for others in the class, or feel rushed ahead due to timings.

The first assignment is the biggest hurdle, but once done your understanding of the way it works does increase, which leads to easier follow on assignments. If it were me, I would persevere - if only for budget reasons! Like Clare I bought the core book to use as my main guide. Most others I could find enough of online to complete assignments.

Kind regards,
Laura

Yes, good point Laura - I forgot to add that you can have 2 attempts at submission and that the 1st assignment is the biggest hurdle.. I wasn't very confident at first, but when submitted whilst they weren't always a pass, it was just a case of adding a bit more here or explaining something in more details. So it lets you know if you are on the right lines and specifically what areas you need to add too.
I was also lucky in that the course provide did provide guidance/a summary of what was to be included in each part (rather than how many marks for each section).
As you say, whilst not suited to all, I did find I could go at my own pace which I preferred.

Thanks Laura

Thank you Laura
I think the lack of support is a big factor. I’ve found a free online study skills course with OU and it’s making sense. Im already feeling slightly more confident.

Regards,
Lisa

Sorry thanks Clare

My reading list also included Study guides so not sure if these might also be of use?
R. Horn The business Skills Handbook
S.Cottrell The Study Skills Handbook

Thank you!

Hi Laura

I found your response to Lisa enlightening and I recognise the format so I think I may have an idea as to who your provider was.

I have just signed up for the Level 5 Diploma and I just wante to hear your opinion on hrs per week you needed. I realise it will vary but an estimate would be helpful.

Kind regards

Mariana

Hi Mariana,

I'd say on average, I spent 4-5 hours a week made up of 3 hours studying the materials provided, 2 hours research. (Ignoring the first module - my learning was I spent WAY too long on studying and the assignment - I just didn't need to as my assessor explained).

I found I had to assess what else was going on when a module launched to work out how many hours I would need, and work backwards from the deadline - I typically had the 8 weeks, but occasionally (if for example I was on holiday) I had 5 or 6 weeks to complete to deadline so I would find myself devoting a Friday/Saturday to study so I didn't have to think about it at all whilst off.

I would always try to do as much as possible, as early as possible so that I could devote time to research and the assignment - I did not ever wait for the classes, and would go ahead in the materials then double back. This allowed me to collate lists of questions to submit to my tutor and the head of learning in plenty of time for the assignments, knowing there was frequently a delay in tutor responding, if at all (in all honesty, my tutor was the only downside to my course and is what put me off recommending my provider - different tutor probably would have made the difference for my experience)

Kind regards,
Laura

Whilst mine was slightly shorter/less modules being a Certificate, interesting to hear other people's way of studying and time spend on assignments etc. My Coach/Assessor changed part way through due to their personal commitments and whilst the 2nd 1 was contactable, due to the extra work she had taken on, it would often take weeks to get a response if via email. But I was lucky in that I had a mentor at work and being in a large council, had lots of support from the rest of the HR team.
As I was also in the process of moving with around a 3 hour commute each day, it was often a struggle to fit studying in so I tended to allocate Sundays and then my employer gave me a day's study leave per assignment which I used to finalise and submit them.

Hi Lisa, where did you find this please ?