Hi, I am new to the OU and will be starting my openings course in November. Really looking forward to it and would love to hear of anyone else who will be doing this short course, or has done it in the past! :-)
cantoris
- Mon, 30/08/2010 - 10:12
Hi Blondie, I am starting this in November as well.
Speak to you soon.
Linda.
blondie13 - Tue, 31/08/2010 - 13:30
Oh hi Linda,
Are you on the Open Uni facebook page too? Im sure you commented on a post of mine on there aswell. :-)
Amanda
mazman
- Wed, 01/09/2010 - 15:55
Hi Blondie 13
I recently completed Y163 Starting With Psychology and really enjoyed it. I really liked the emphasis on positive psychology and the pyschology of happiness. I also enjoyed working with my tutor who was so helpful with her comments on my assignments.
I´d be happy to answer any questions about my experience
BTW I am going onto my next course in October, E233 Sport and exercise psychology: a case study approach
blondie13 - Thu, 02/09/2010 - 10:04
Hi Mazman
i am really looking forward to starting this course, everyone I have spoke to about it have all said they loved it. Thanks for your offer and im sure I will be back on here to call on your experiences. :-) I have had a look at some more courses to go on to when i have finished this one, but not sure which to go into. Does your tutor talk through what you can do after completing this course?
Thanx
blueangel - Tue, 14/09/2010 - 09:32
Thanks for the info maxman - magic words of positive and happiness caught my eye and I am even more sure I chose the right course.
Sport and exercise psychology - good on ya - it sure does help the mind stay happy and healthy when its working with the body - sometimes its easy to forget the two are connected.
That positive attitude has got me walking better again with my spinal cord injury - I may look at doing that course myself later on - happy studying :-)
ep327
- Fri, 03/09/2010 - 20:56
I did Y163 last year. Initially I found it difficult to understand. However, my tutor was spot on with her remarks when she gave me her feedback. It was essential, she was great in that she took an extraordinary amount of time to explain what I needed to brush up on and the skills I would need to enhance in the future to improve. Interestingly, thanks to her guidance (which I printed off and stuck right in front of me) my ECA assignment was the best piece of work I produced and actually enjoyed (!) doing with the usual bouts of ´will I/won´t I´ ever get this finished. Although I found this course quite difficult to understand, the positive aspects of the course, without exageration, have changed parts of my life for the better. If you stick with it, I hope you get as much personal satisfaction as I did.
There are two aspects which I found most difficult. The first was the way the course was marked which is different from the usual OU percentages but you will be able to find out more from your course booklet and tutor. In fact, I formally complained to the Psychology faculty but got nowhere with my comments, which I thought were quite constructive. I also found that when I put forward my concerns that the marking systems were not really explained when taking up the course, neither my tutor or the OU faculty gave me the impression that they actually cared and just thought I was whinging. Given that I have studied with the OU for some years, I still feel that the different aspects to marking should be made clear before the course starts.
Notwithstanding all of the above, this course will give you something meaningful. Enjoy.
blueangel - Tue, 14/09/2010 - 09:38
Hi ep327
Thanks for the info you put ouit here - I will be confident to ask my tutor now if I feel I run into trouble or dont understand stuff - your honesty will help me to feel I am not the only one. Great to hear you got some personal satisfaction from the course - sounds like I could gain some valuable insight nto my own personal growth then? Can never learn to much in this life (although sometimes I think oh my - and I thought I had already learnt everything I needed to get thorogh this life LOL)
gemgem
- Wed, 08/09/2010 - 19:39
Hi blondie13
I am also new to the OU and will be starting my openings course in November it would be nice to find other students in the same boat or who have already done the course who can give some support or guidance would be much appreciated. Thanks x
blondie13 - Mon, 13/09/2010 - 15:02
Hey gemgem,
Is it the Psychology course your doing in November or is it another openings course? Be great to hear back if your doing the same course as me! :-) x
blueangel - Tue, 14/09/2010 - 09:25
Hi blondie,
I am starting the course in November too. I like the social part of studying yet unable to at the minute as i have a spinal cord injury (i am lucky that i can walk though) and pain limits me so cyber-space college socisl life it is then . Was doing a counselling course but had to stop due to an operation I had just 6 month ago.
I was sad at the time - but not anymore - psychology looks at things a bit deeper and I guess this is whats meant to be. Looks like some interesting areas to study hey. Be good to share ideas with others here and make the course even more interesting and thought provoking by hearing other peoples views and opinions.
We all have good taste in common - choosing this course - maybe we can all go from here then
blondie13 - Wed, 15/09/2010 - 09:15
HI Blueangel
nice to hear from more people who are starting this course the same time! :-) Sorry to hear about your personal circumstances. I wanted to do a counselling course as I myself have had it and wanted to help others in that kind of way. However i have wanted to do Psychology for a number of years now and cant wait to start this course. Look forward to hearing from you and others as you say it will be good to speak to others while doing the course! :-)
x
blueangel - Wed, 15/09/2010 - 17:06
Hi blondie, yeap psychology sure does go deeper than counselling, which just deals with the surface of things - and who better to offer help in this line of work than them who have been thorough stuff themselves. I am not sure what line of work I would like to go into at the minute - as i do plan to go back to work as soon as i can. I feel this course will give us a good insight and get us thinking. I feel that like myself because you have wanted to do this course for some time, we will really get stuck in - makes a subject more interesting to study when theres a passion for learning behind it. Home study sure can be a lonely place to be at times I have been told - thats the only part i wont like - so sure feel free to chat anytime. Be fascinating to know how the brain changes affect behaviour etc. Heres to November hey :-)
blondie13 - Thu, 16/09/2010 - 13:54
I too am not sure what line of work I want to be involved in, but i do have a full time job in admin at the moment. Not really what I want to be doing forever I must say. I have read some of the course material on the Learning Space/Open Learn Website and I must say it looks very interesting. You should take a look if you havent already!
I agree with the home study part, that is my only concern as to how disciplined I am going to be - as like you say it can be a bit lonely. My partner is backing me though and im sure he will not let me get distracted from ym studies.! :-)
And yes......heres to November and lots of learning hah :-D
blueangel - Fri, 17/09/2010 - 15:49
HI blondie
I have taken a look at whats in store for the course - looks good. I dont have a partner but i do have children so they will encourage me and it sets a good example to them too. Admin hey? Yeah I did that on the medical side - loved it but after many years in it, and getting made redundant I changed direction to get qualified in welfare rights. I´ll have a look via facebook - I dont really like facebook all that much but may be worth logging in to take a look at it.
Anyhows, feel free to chat anytime :-)
gemgem
- Thu, 16/09/2010 - 21:15
Hi blondie13
thx for yr reply and yes its course Y163 which I will be starting November I think the course materials are being sent out in october, looking forward to starting but not sure what to expect. Where are you based I´m based in Kent.
Look forward to hearing from you or any other new student :)
blondie13 - Fri, 17/09/2010 - 08:57
Yeah as far as I know the materials get sent out in oct. Im not sure what to expect either but I have heard off some people who have done this course in the past and its all good and they have all said its an enjoyable course to do and to start off with.
I am based in Wigan. :-) I have been told there is a facebook group for the people starting this course in nov but I havent found it yet! :-/ haha let me know if you find anything. :-)
blueangel - Fri, 17/09/2010 - 15:51
Hi gem gem - I am from the west midlands so quite a way away from yourself - I am glad we dont have to go to a course centre for this - thats what atttacted me to the course too, to gently ease mself back into study. Takes the pressure of a bit :-)
gemgem
- Fri, 17/09/2010 - 19:23
Hi blueangel
yes we are all over the UK but its nice to speak to people that are going to do the same course, I´m on facebook so if you or anyone else doing the same course Y163 request me on FB (Gemma Hardy) it would be nice to support each other.
My hubby is about to start his 2nd year of Person-Centre Counselling course he has completed the first year (certificate) and absolutely loved it, he is getting practical experience one day a week at a centre in kent which is a real eye-opener.
Anyway I must stop waffling on lol!
Take care
x
blueangel - Sat, 18/09/2010 - 12:09
HI Gem Gem
I am not on facebook as I dont really like it, but I may set up an account if others on ou are studying... I´ll have a look into it.
Your hubby doing person centered counselling, ahhhhh I was too and loved it. This is the one I had to pull out off. I learnt a lot on the course. I bet you two will have loads to discuss together. I shall try and get you on facebook then.
I come back on here if I have any trouble finding you.
Blue Angel :-)
gemgem
- Sat, 18/09/2010 - 16:58
Hi blueangel
soz to hear you had to pull out of your counselling course, my hubby really enjoyed the first year and starts 2nd year tues. I must admit I have had a brief look at some of the text books he´s reading and they are very interesting. He is also working as a volunteer for a counselling centre to gain practical experience - a real eye-opener but loves it. Try and find me on FB would be great to keep in touch. Here´s to us and our future!
blondie13 - Tue, 21/09/2010 - 12:05
Hey Gem,
Im on facebook and will try looking for you later! :-) Be nice to put faces to names lol x
blondie13 - Tue, 21/09/2010 - 17:24
Gem
just tried lookin for you on facebook but there are loads of Gemma Hardy´s on there! haha whats ur profile pic? i cud try off that x
gemgem
- Tue, 21/09/2010 - 22:25
hi blondie13
thats funny - yeah we hardy´s are v.common lol!!!but hv a sense of humour :) my photo is with my youngest and hubby on holiday early this year if you cant find me I´ve found an OU FB page especially for students starting the course in November I´ve been added on there as well
Hi Blondie, I am starting this in November as well.
Speak to you soon.
Linda.
Oh hi Linda,
Are you on the Open Uni facebook page too? Im sure you commented on a post of mine on there aswell. :-)
Amanda
Hi Blondie 13
I recently completed Y163 Starting With Psychology and really enjoyed it. I really liked the emphasis on positive psychology and the pyschology of happiness. I also enjoyed working with my tutor who was so helpful with her comments on my assignments.
I´d be happy to answer any questions about my experience
BTW I am going onto my next course in October, E233 Sport and exercise psychology: a case study approach
Hi Mazman
i am really looking forward to starting this course, everyone I have spoke to about it have all said they loved it. Thanks for your offer and im sure I will be back on here to call on your experiences. :-) I have had a look at some more courses to go on to when i have finished this one, but not sure which to go into. Does your tutor talk through what you can do after completing this course?
Thanx
Thanks for the info maxman - magic words of positive and happiness caught my eye and I am even more sure I chose the right course.
Sport and exercise psychology - good on ya - it sure does help the mind stay happy and healthy when its working with the body - sometimes its easy to forget the two are connected.
That positive attitude has got me walking better again with my spinal cord injury - I may look at doing that course myself later on - happy studying :-)
I did Y163 last year. Initially I found it difficult to understand. However, my tutor was spot on with her remarks when she gave me her feedback. It was essential, she was great in that she took an extraordinary amount of time to explain what I needed to brush up on and the skills I would need to enhance in the future to improve. Interestingly, thanks to her guidance (which I printed off and stuck right in front of me) my ECA assignment was the best piece of work I produced and actually enjoyed (!) doing with the usual bouts of ´will I/won´t I´ ever get this finished. Although I found this course quite difficult to understand, the positive aspects of the course, without exageration, have changed parts of my life for the better. If you stick with it, I hope you get as much personal satisfaction as I did.
There are two aspects which I found most difficult. The first was the way the course was marked which is different from the usual OU percentages but you will be able to find out more from your course booklet and tutor. In fact, I formally complained to the Psychology faculty but got nowhere with my comments, which I thought were quite constructive. I also found that when I put forward my concerns that the marking systems were not really explained when taking up the course, neither my tutor or the OU faculty gave me the impression that they actually cared and just thought I was whinging. Given that I have studied with the OU for some years, I still feel that the different aspects to marking should be made clear before the course starts.
Notwithstanding all of the above, this course will give you something meaningful. Enjoy.
Hi ep327
Thanks for the info you put ouit here - I will be confident to ask my tutor now if I feel I run into trouble or dont understand stuff - your honesty will help me to feel I am not the only one. Great to hear you got some personal satisfaction from the course - sounds like I could gain some valuable insight nto my own personal growth then? Can never learn to much in this life (although sometimes I think oh my - and I thought I had already learnt everything I needed to get thorogh this life LOL)
Hi blondie13
I am also new to the OU and will be starting my openings course in November it would be nice to find other students in the same boat or who have already done the course who can give some support or guidance would be much appreciated. Thanks x
Hey gemgem,
Is it the Psychology course your doing in November or is it another openings course? Be great to hear back if your doing the same course as me! :-) x
Hi blondie,
. Was doing a counselling course but had to stop due to an operation I had just 6 month ago.
and make the course even more interesting and thought provoking by hearing other peoples views and opinions.
I am starting the course in November too. I like the social part of studying yet unable to at the minute as i have a spinal cord injury (i am lucky that i can walk though) and pain limits me so cyber-space college socisl life it is then
I was sad at the time - but not anymore - psychology looks at things a bit deeper and I guess this is whats meant to be. Looks like some interesting areas to study hey. Be good to share ideas with others here
We all have good taste in common - choosing this course - maybe we can all go from here then
HI Blueangel
nice to hear from more people who are starting this course the same time! :-) Sorry to hear about your personal circumstances. I wanted to do a counselling course as I myself have had it and wanted to help others in that kind of way. However i have wanted to do Psychology for a number of years now and cant wait to start this course. Look forward to hearing from you and others as you say it will be good to speak to others while doing the course! :-)
x
Hi blondie, yeap psychology sure does go deeper than counselling, which just deals with the surface of things - and who better to offer help in this line of work than them who have been thorough stuff themselves. I am not sure what line of work I would like to go into at the minute - as i do plan to go back to work as soon as i can. I feel this course will give us a good insight and get us thinking. I feel that like myself because you have wanted to do this course for some time, we will really get stuck in - makes a subject more interesting to study when theres a passion for learning behind it. Home study sure can be a lonely place to be at times I have been told - thats the only part i wont like - so sure feel free to chat anytime. Be fascinating to know how the brain changes affect behaviour etc. Heres to November hey :-)
I too am not sure what line of work I want to be involved in, but i do have a full time job in admin at the moment. Not really what I want to be doing forever I must say. I have read some of the course material on the Learning Space/Open Learn Website and I must say it looks very interesting. You should take a look if you havent already!
I agree with the home study part, that is my only concern as to how disciplined I am going to be - as like you say it can be a bit lonely. My partner is backing me though and im sure he will not let me get distracted from ym studies.! :-)
And yes......heres to November and lots of learning hah :-D
HI blondie
I have taken a look at whats in store for the course - looks good. I dont have a partner but i do have children so they will encourage me and it sets a good example to them too. Admin hey? Yeah I did that on the medical side - loved it but after many years in it, and getting made redundant I changed direction to get qualified in welfare rights. I´ll have a look via facebook - I dont really like facebook all that much but may be worth logging in to take a look at it.
Anyhows, feel free to chat anytime :-)
Hi blondie13
thx for yr reply and yes its course Y163 which I will be starting November I think the course materials are being sent out in october, looking forward to starting but not sure what to expect. Where are you based I´m based in Kent.
Look forward to hearing from you or any other new student :)
Yeah as far as I know the materials get sent out in oct. Im not sure what to expect either but I have heard off some people who have done this course in the past and its all good and they have all said its an enjoyable course to do and to start off with.
I am based in Wigan. :-) I have been told there is a facebook group for the people starting this course in nov but I havent found it yet! :-/ haha let me know if you find anything. :-)
Hi gem gem - I am from the west midlands so quite a way away from yourself - I am glad we dont have to go to a course centre for this - thats what atttacted me to the course too, to gently ease mself back into study. Takes the pressure of a bit :-)
Hi blueangel
yes we are all over the UK but its nice to speak to people that are going to do the same course, I´m on facebook so if you or anyone else doing the same course Y163 request me on FB (Gemma Hardy) it would be nice to support each other.
My hubby is about to start his 2nd year of Person-Centre Counselling course he has completed the first year (certificate) and absolutely loved it, he is getting practical experience one day a week at a centre in kent which is a real eye-opener.
Anyway I must stop waffling on lol!
Take care
x
HI Gem Gem
I am not on facebook as I dont really like it, but I may set up an account if others on ou are studying... I´ll have a look into it.
Your hubby doing person centered counselling, ahhhhh I was too and loved it. This is the one I had to pull out off. I learnt a lot on the course. I bet you two will have loads to discuss together. I shall try and get you on facebook then.
I come back on here if I have any trouble finding you.
Blue Angel :-)
Hi blueangel
soz to hear you had to pull out of your counselling course, my hubby really enjoyed the first year and starts 2nd year tues. I must admit I have had a brief look at some of the text books he´s reading and they are very interesting. He is also working as a volunteer for a counselling centre to gain practical experience - a real eye-opener but loves it. Try and find me on FB would be great to keep in touch. Here´s to us and our future!
Hey Gem,
Im on facebook and will try looking for you later! :-) Be nice to put faces to names lol x
Gem
just tried lookin for you on facebook but there are loads of Gemma Hardy´s on there! haha whats ur profile pic? i cud try off that x
hi blondie13
thats funny - yeah we hardy´s are v.common lol!!!but hv a sense of humour :) my photo is with my youngest and hubby on holiday early this year if you cant find me I´ve found an OU FB page especially for students starting the course in November I´ve been added on there as well