Tutorials -

Not Compulsory But Can You Manage Without Them?

For me personally -  no.
 
OK so it's still early days and at this stage I have only attended two but both undoubtedly provided the impetus I needed to get the first TMA underway.  I left the tutorials with a sense of purpose and clarity which I hadn't achieved from reading the study material alone.  I have thrown myself into this wholeheartedly - amongst other things I have watched just over three hours of Cleopatra, I have listened to BBC4 history podcasts and I have visited the National Gallery and Courtauld Gallery to see the Cezanne paintings in the 'flesh'.  The three plus hours of Cleopatra were worth it just to illuminate Plutarch's view on her visit to Tarsus.   But what really got me going was sitting with my contemporaries discussing the various aspects of the topic.  Everyone contributed something, it felt as though we were on the same level - it dispelled the feeling of inadequacy over the standard and content of the discussion forums.  Equally with regards to Cezanne, I was completely dazed and out of my depth after reading the chapter through twice - but after the day class on Saturday, I came away feeling that I had at least some understanding of what Cezanne was trying to achieve.

Of course there is every chance that this could just be me.  I have been out of education for over twenty six years, I am out of practice.  Maybe a few topics or even modules down the line I won't feel quite the same. 

Right now though, I would categorically say, if you can go - do.

Juggling The Balls

Weeks ago I sat down and planned out my days in half hour slots, plotting when I would be at work (grey blocks), getting home and cooking, sorting washing etc (white blocks) when I could study (red blocks) and when I would give myself some time off (yellow blocks).  The first week was perfect. 

Sadly this second week hasn't worked quite so well and all those colours seem more like blocks with an additional 'o' and 'l'!  I am part of a family, unexpected 'things' crop up and the basic stuff still needs to be done.  I thought I had allowed time for this but as I have discovered life isn't always that organised.  I work hard and so does The Guitarman, sometimes he isn't able to take J to his guitar lesson or maybe he needs to pop home briefly to eat before going out to work again.  Someone has to cook the dinner and provide the taxi service and whilst everyone is mucking in, that also has to include me.  I made the mistake on Tuesday of allowing myself unscheduled leisure time because technically I am ahead of the game.  However Wednesday, for various reasons outside anyones control, went completely to pot.  By the time I was free to study it was gone 9pm and I was dead on my feet.  At the end of the evening I was really anxious as I know that on Thursdays I have other commitments and cannot study at all.  That's three days in a row without study - I might be able to get away with it at the moment but as the course progresses this won't be the case I am sure.

Busy with work, busy with family, and all the while trying unsuccessfully to stick to the plan.  Anyone that knows me well, knows that this is my idea of hell.  I like things to be organised, I like to know what I am doing and when and I don't particularly enjoy last minute deviations.  This week I am studying Cleopatra, that week I am studying Cezanne, it's clear in my head, I am happy.  Meanwhile in reality my email pings and a tutor on my tutorial forum poses a question to get us all thinking and discussing a related topic.  What do other students do?  They respond with thoughtful and considered observations.  What do I do?  Ignore it.  The truth is, at the moment I simply can't cope with it.

So what have I learnt this week? 

1. Following the plan isn't always going to be possible
2. I need to take my opportunities when I get them (don't sit in your dressing gown drinking wine and catching up on True Blood)
3. I need to adjust to later nights during the working week
4. I can't bury my head forever, sooner or later I am going to have to cope with work, home and social life, official study and the extra stuff thrown in 

Oops, what just fell on the floor?

The Grumpy Old Bag?

Well the WiFi euphoria soon wore off when I realised that connection in the hide-away is only sporadic and the booster that I have since purchased doesn't appear to work at all!  For some inexplicable reason I have connection as I type but for how long?......

Things have progressed since my last post.  The module website is open, I have had a letter and an email from my tutor and I have a list of my local tutorials over the coming months.  The tutor has suggested that I look at two specific areas of the first workbook before our meeting next week.  I feel relatively calm and very ready to begin.  In addition to this I have withdrawn from the unofficial module facebook group - at the risk of sounding like a grumpy old bag - I couldn't stand it anymore! Life's too short, too many books and not enough time.....  From now on I will rely on the official forums and groups which will hopefully stick to the relevant stuff.  If I make some friends along the way that's great but I don't need to take on other people's stresses and strains (particularly when most of the time they simply haven't read something properly).  OK so I do sound like a grumpy old bag - all I would advise is that it would be wise to weigh up the benefits and be selective in choosing which groups you join.