I am struggling to remain positive at the moment. I am so far behind in my studies and have started a new job, my brain isn't functioning and I'm so stressed I don't know if I'm coming or going. I can't sleep because I've got so much going around in my head and I'm beginning to question my ability to do this!
Bottom of the rollercoaster at the moment
I've dedicated this weekend to getting TMA03 finished but I just don't know if it's going to be enough...........I guess it's going to have to be!
Tx
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It is normal to feel how you do in your position. It is how you cope with life changes that determine if you get the degree. Your attitude is right: keep going and submit something. Keep that up to the end and you get the degree.
Regarding the TMA, make sure you have read the question carefully. Don't answer a different question because you are rushing. A common mistake, apparently.
Read the learning objectives associated with it - those are the things your answer needs to talk about. You will be marked for demonstrating those things, so you don't need to worry about anything else.
Do leave enough time to write the conclusion that answers the question.
Do leave enough time to wrote an introduction that will say what the essay does. Here is a formula that you can use quickly: link.
Do include references. Bad references are much better than no references.
Check the submission date and time. You may have a 12 hour grace period.
You only need 40%. Submit something with an introduction, mentions the material in the learning objectives, has a conclusion, has a reference list. You can do that.
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As Simon says,
In my opinion his last point is the key one, in this situation you're only aiming to get over 40%. I'd add there's usually enough low hanging fruit to get most of what you need: references get marks, so do diagrams where asked for. Move quickly: "is that 50% of this answer?", if yes it's more than enough, move on and come back to it if time allows.
I read questions strategically to find the marks: if a short question has 6 marks for explaining something I guess they're looking for 3 points with a demonstration of understanding. Any more is wasted effort (I've been at this for 5 years and I think Simon has more experience).
Remember we're allowed to talk about the questions but not our answers so ask your forums where to look for things. We don't cheat, obviously, but there's room to be canny. I find a keyword search on the module websites useful when I've no idea what the question is on about often gets straight to it! They didn't put the button there for us to ignore.
If you're at level 1 then great, a pass is every bit as good as a distinction - everything else is just noise in your head (everyone wants a distinction every time, it's natural). We've all submitted below par TMAs. Don't sweat it, aim for over 40%, take your medicine and move on.
One TMA really doesn't matter that much, making time to relax on the other hand is essential. Congratulations on your new job by the way.
Chris
Your honesty wins through
You have set yourself a tough goal, completing your TMA03 so far ahead of schedule. Yet you feel behind with your studies. I am behind too. Life gets in the way sometimes. I sense we are not alone in this. My tutor group is usually buzzing with supportive comments and fresh activity, but it's gone very quiet over the last few weeks.
Take stock and take heart. All this pressure will provide a rich source for future work. May be even a rich sauce!
Good luck with what comes next.