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First time studying since school & I'm completely lost

Marie

I am studying the level 5 diploma & attended my first workshop 5RST at the end of May; since then Ive been swallowed in the busy world of work, children & life. My first assignment is due to be submitted on 5th July & I havent even started.  Honestly, I think Ive put it off because Im scared. I left school well over 20 years ago & never attended uni or anything so quite simply put I have no idea where to start. I dont know how to write an assignment or reference (although I think the latter isnt really an issue) It just feels like an absolute mine field.  Having worked at HR BP & HRM levels for over 8 years its not that I dont understand the content its just working out how to put it all into the correct context. My career to date has been one of a very hands on generalist & analysis of data etc has been restricted to internal requirements so comparing labour trend markets right now just fries my brain. 

Is there anyone who can offer some guidance, tips, tricks, advice or a miracle??

Thanks in advance
Marie 

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  • Hi Marie

    There are a couple of big differences between professional study as an adult and your schooldays.

    Firstly, you are a customer now and can choose whether to study or not and which institution to patronise. Therefore, you are entitled to ask them for whatever help you need or you aren't getting value for money. On their side, they want to attract more students and want to be able to cite high pass rates, so it is in their commercial interest to help you pass.

    Of course, they won't do the assignment for you, but your tutors should be able to give you quite detailed guidance in what they are looking for. I did an MBA some years ago and you could take tutors an essay plan and get their feedback on whether it would answer the question or there was something vital you had omitted. There was one tutor who shared his marking scheme so you knew to include more detail on the part worth 40 marks than the part worth 10 marks. Try talking to your tutors to find out what they would be willing to do - you will not be the first student who has not studied since school. They should certainly tell you what format to use and the conventions on references.

    The other point to remember is that you only need to pass. If the pass mark is 45% and you get 46%, that's good enough. I'm not actually advising you to aim at 1% over the pass mark, but if you are studying at the same time as working, the important thing is to get the tick in the box and move on. I learned this when one of my fellow MBA students observed to me that I'd get an assignment written and then spend days polishing it to get an extra 5% - what a waste of time! Good enough is good enough.
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  • Hi Marie

    There are a couple of big differences between professional study as an adult and your schooldays.

    Firstly, you are a customer now and can choose whether to study or not and which institution to patronise. Therefore, you are entitled to ask them for whatever help you need or you aren't getting value for money. On their side, they want to attract more students and want to be able to cite high pass rates, so it is in their commercial interest to help you pass.

    Of course, they won't do the assignment for you, but your tutors should be able to give you quite detailed guidance in what they are looking for. I did an MBA some years ago and you could take tutors an essay plan and get their feedback on whether it would answer the question or there was something vital you had omitted. There was one tutor who shared his marking scheme so you knew to include more detail on the part worth 40 marks than the part worth 10 marks. Try talking to your tutors to find out what they would be willing to do - you will not be the first student who has not studied since school. They should certainly tell you what format to use and the conventions on references.

    The other point to remember is that you only need to pass. If the pass mark is 45% and you get 46%, that's good enough. I'm not actually advising you to aim at 1% over the pass mark, but if you are studying at the same time as working, the important thing is to get the tick in the box and move on. I learned this when one of my fellow MBA students observed to me that I'd get an assignment written and then spend days polishing it to get an extra 5% - what a waste of time! Good enough is good enough.
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