FabSwingers.com forum: Adult learning...

By *irtyGirl OP Woman
over a year ago

Edinburgh

I'm *thinking* about going back to school.

Not full time, I couldn't give up the money now but I *think* my employers will pay for me to do a distance learning diploma. My problem is that I was utterly shit at exams at school and it really puts me off taking it on... what if I'm still shit?

I have no worries that I'll enjoy the topic and be fine on assessment based things but I'm concerned about exam pressure.

Has anyone gone back and done some sort of course 20+ years after leaving school? If so, how did you find it?

I skipped on Uni but I think this is something I want to do and it's a massive plus if I'm sponsored to do it.

Any thoughts?

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By *oward1978Man
over a year ago

Rotherham

This is something I've been seriously thinking about lately as well. I have similar fears as you OP. I'm not even sure how to even go about it all as I've been out of the loop for so long. Good luck OP

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Universities provide loads of support these days through academic skills programs, careers and wellbeing.

A lot through online modules too. If you get stuck I know a few websites you might find useful..

Go for it though.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I'm *thinking* about going back to school.

I have no worries that I'll enjoy the topic and be fine on assessment based things but I'm concerned about exam pressure.

Has anyone gone back and done some sort of course 20+ years after leaving school? If so, how did you find it?

I skipped on Uni but I think this is something I want to do and it's a massive plus if I'm sponsored to do it.

Any thoughts? "

Yes I went back to college a couple years ago for 2 years. I loved it! And the exam pressure was fine, well it was for the courses I done.

It wasn't English or maths or the like though.

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By *irtyGirl OP Woman
over a year ago

Edinburgh

"This is something I've been seriously thinking about lately as well. I have similar fears as you OP. I'm not even sure how to even go about it all as I've been out of the loop for so long. Good luck OP

I can't decide whether I'm afraid of failure or whether I just don't have the confidence in myself to give it a go. I keep thinking 'what's the worst that can happen?'

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Going back and doing a Masters Degree was the best educational experience of my life. Loved it!

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By *edangel_2013Woman
over a year ago

southend

I'm in my last 2 years of an Open University degree. I too am great at the assessment based modules, not so hot at the exam based ones.

It is possible to pick the modules you take with an OU degree, so you can try doing less exam ones.

The exam pressure is easier when you are older. Puts it in perspective a bit when you've experienced life a bit more I think.

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By *irtyGirl OP Woman
over a year ago

Edinburgh

"Universities provide loads of support these days through academic skills programs, careers and wellbeing.

A lot through online modules too. If you get stuck I know a few websites you might find useful..

Go for it though. "

I've printed off all the stuff so I'll read through it at lunchtime and see what the costs are. There's a foundation course to start with that I think I'd like to do first to see how I get on. If I start at the bottom at least I'll know where I'm at right from the off. The support seems pretty good as far as I can tell.

Yes I went back to college a couple years ago for 2 years. I loved it! And the exam pressure was fine, well it was for the courses I done.

It wasn't English or maths or the like though. "

Haha... I wouldn't go back and do maths if you paid me. I'm the equivalent to dyslexic with numbers.

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By *oward1978Man
over a year ago

Rotherham

I can't decide whether I'm afraid of failure or whether I just don't have the confidence in myself to give it a go. I keep thinking 'what's the worst that can happen?'

Exactly. What have you got to lose? I know in my case I've nothing to lose and everything yo gain. Well and truly at a dead end career wise. Need to start doing what I want to do for a change. I don't think I'm the only one who headed in the totally wrong direction after school. And now through many trials and tribulations, I'm looking to put things right. It's never to late.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My mate went back to college to do a GCSE he failed as a 16yo so he could go back to Uni next year. Worried sick about the exam but enjoyed the structured learning much ore this time. Thought he'd failed the exam this summer....Got an A!!! Off to Uni again later this month at the ripe old age of 50

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Universities provide loads of support these days through academic skills programs, careers and wellbeing.

A lot through online modules too. If you get stuck I know a few websites you might find useful..

Go for it though.

Yes I went back to college a couple years ago for 2 years. I loved it! And the exam pressure was fine, well it was for the courses I done.

It wasn't English or maths or the like though.

Haha... I wouldn't go back and do maths if you paid me. I'm the equivalent to dyslexic with numbers.

I wouldn't either

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I've printed off all the stuff so I'll read through it at lunchtime and see what the costs are. There's a foundation course to start with that I think I'd like to do first to see how I get on"

Sounds like a good plan. Universities will often let you go and speak to them directly to see which course is best for you.

Depending on the course they don't all have exams. I did applied computing and there we're no exams at all x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Its also worth speaking to student loans company nd tax credits.

Before I changed jobs I was going to go back to uni this year. It worked out the same money in support as I was earning and I'm on a good wage.

I'm.on more now though so not sure I'd like to lose my extra spends lol

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By *iamondsmiles.Woman
over a year ago

little house on the praire

Do it, remember your a lot older now, your doing it because you want to.

When I tried university a couple of years ago there was so much help for me as a disabled student, sadly it wasn't meant to be, but even if your not disabled you have a fantastic support network available to you.

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By *irtyGirl OP Woman
over a year ago

Edinburgh

"Its also worth speaking to student loans company nd tax credits.

Before I changed jobs I was going to go back to uni this year. It worked out the same money in support as I was earning and I'm on a good wage.

I'm.on more now though so not sure I'd like to lose my extra spends lol"

I'd be doing it in my own time whilst working full time so I won't lose anything in terms of finances and if my company pays the fees then I really will have to pass!!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Its also worth speaking to student loans company nd tax credits.

Before I changed jobs I was going to go back to uni this year. It worked out the same money in support as I was earning and I'm on a good wage.

I'm.on more now though so not sure I'd like to lose my extra spends lol

I'd be doing it in my own time whilst working full time so I won't lose anything in terms of finances and if my company pays the fees then I really will have to pass!!

Best of luck to you I'm sure you will do great! x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I did this and it's hard work and at times hard to keep focus and disiplined enough to pick up the books but definitely recommend it. That feeling when you pass is actually unrivalled.

Good luck xx

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By *ola.Woman
over a year ago

Just where I need to be.

I decided to study with the Open University. I took one module which I was familiar with and the exam wasn't so bad as I knew the subject. I decided to go out of my comfort zone and studied social sciences. We had tutorials on line, also we had workshops at local college. For me this was an easier way to study as I could do it at my own pace. I did always get my TMAs in on time usually by the last remaining hour. I wanted to do this for me, as a single parent I had my fees paid for. I got nervous when I went to sit my exams but I didn't feel as bad as I did at 17. What have you got to lose? x

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By *iamondjoeMan
over a year ago

Glastonbury

I was expecting something... sexier?

We always hated mature students 'cos they did the work well and on time. That said, one of the best friends I made on my BA was a retired very straight-looking army chap, who had a penchent for ganja and wonderful Jamaican wife at home.

All the best, OP.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I'm *thinking* about going back to school.

I have no worries that I'll enjoy the topic and be fine on assessment based things but I'm concerned about exam pressure.

Has anyone gone back and done some sort of course 20+ years after leaving school? If so, how did you find it?

I skipped on Uni but I think this is something I want to do and it's a massive plus if I'm sponsored to do it.

Any thoughts? "

Good for you, life should be one long lesson, hope it works out for you.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Hubby re-trained to be electrician age 35. never took an exam before. but with a bit of dedication he is now self employed and doing ok. it can be done.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Good luck with doing this. Worth just going for if.

I'm having a career crisis, absolutely hate what I do and where I work.

Need to find something I want to do, rather than be a wage slave who is miserable!

Crap at exams too, and I would have to keep employer out of it!

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By *ikki ShooterTV/TS
over a year ago

Epsom

I went back to learning in 2000 I was 25. Once you get your head around the paperwork it starts to get easier. I intend to return again in 2017 to return to health care. Now I'm older I'm not phased about trying to fit in with the young ones. No need for the student bars. So will be able to knuckle down.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I returned to study 25 yrs after leaving school to do a BA(Hons).

I found, for some reason which is hard to explain (perhaps less distractions which school provided), that my age gave me a more mature approach to learning.

I found the Uni offered a great support mechanism for adult learners which sadly my school lacked.

I actually enjoyed it and found once I get into the course that I really enjoyed it. At the ripe age of 45 i completed my couse with a 2:1 pass and had a great sense of achievement. I actually went on to complete a Masters in Work Based Learning at 48 with distinction.

So OP please go for it and I can say you will enjoy it and the personal sense of achievement will be immense!!

If you need support I would gladly help - just ask!!

Good Luck OP and go for it!!

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By *irtyGirl OP Woman
over a year ago

Edinburgh

Well thanks for your encouragement. I'm going to take the stuff home to read tonight and then I'll present it to my boss man and see what he thinks. Nothing ventured and all that.

(Sorry it wasn't sexy DJ!)

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Well thanks for your encouragement. I'm going to take the stuff home to read tonight and then I'll present it to my boss man and see what he thinks. Nothing ventured and all that.

(Sorry it wasn't sexy DJ!)

Good luck with it - hope he is supportive of what you are hoping to achieve!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I was not the best student in class, but I find the stuff I have done recently I have been good at.

I recently passed a Nebosh Health & safety exam. Should be a fiddle for you.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I'm *thinking* about going back to school.

I have no worries that I'll enjoy the topic and be fine on assessment based things but I'm concerned about exam pressure.

Has anyone gone back and done some sort of course 20+ years after leaving school? If so, how did you find it?

I skipped on Uni but I think this is something I want to do and it's a massive plus if I'm sponsored to do it.

Any thoughts? "

I left school many many years ago with 3 CSE's which I doubt would even be recognised now! I hated school and didn't feel inspired enough to want to learn anything so I left as soon as I could and went straight into work....

a couple of years ago I found myself with a lot of time on my hands and someone suggested I do I course via the Open University. I enjoyed it so much I decided to sign up for a BA in humanities, and to date I have sat and passed (with good grades) 3 exams...

I get a lot of support from my fellow students, all of varying ages and also from student support via the OU...

I am just about to start my second module of my 2nd year and I have to say it is the best thing I have ever done...and that's because I am studying something that actually interests me, which makes all the difference

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I was not the best student in class, but I find the stuff I have done recently I have been good at.

I recently passed a Nebosh Health & safety exam. Should be a fiddle for you."

Congrats on passing this. Them nebosh exams are tricky as fuck as I have done quite a few too. Glad their over now!!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

When I was a student - was pretty much full time.

In work, it's pretty much full time.

Always admired those who could do both at the same time. I'd be knackered

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"Universities provide loads of support these days through academic skills programs, careers and wellbeing.

A lot through online modules too. If you get stuck I know a few websites you might find useful..

Go for it though.

Yes I went back to college a couple years ago for 2 years. I loved it! And the exam pressure was fine, well it was for the courses I done.

It wasn't English or maths or the like though.

Haha... I wouldn't go back and do maths if you paid me. I'm the equivalent to dyslexic with numbers.

Dyscalculia. I take longer over number things than I should, plus I don't trust Excel.

Did you want to learn for you, about something that just interests you, or for something that would advance you professionally? I assume the latter as you mention your employer might contribute. I found it made a difference to how I felt about the exam elements.

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By *irtyGirl OP Woman
over a year ago

Edinburgh

Dyscalculia. I take longer over number things than I should, plus I don't trust Excel.

Yeah it's work related. I think long term it's a good thing to do and if they pay for me to do it then it's a win win.

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

Dyscalculia. I take longer over number things than I should, plus I don't trust Excel.

Yeah it's work related. I think long term it's a good thing to do and if they pay for me to do it then it's a win win. "

Then make sure it's something that really interests you too.

In my previous work lives I would have to decide who would get the company support for self-directed learning (over and above mandated training). I only turned down those who just could not tell me why they were interested in the course they had chosen, beyond saying, It would be good for my career.

Good luck.

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By *irtyGirl OP Woman
over a year ago

Edinburgh

Dyscalculia. I take longer over number things than I should, plus I don't trust Excel.

Yeah it's work related. I think long term it's a good thing to do and if they pay for me to do it then it's a win win.

Then make sure it's something that really interests you too.

Good luck.

I'm thinking that if I do it, then it'll benefit both me and them and it's relevant to where my job is going and that interests me hugely. I've worked my way up through the business and this is another step in a new direction which is closer to where I want to be. It's the stuff I'm good at and enjoy doing so that's why I'm considering it. If it was purely academic I think I'd run a mile but I actually think I'll enjoy it.

I'm not sure they've ever done it in terms of paying for further education but depending on the cost involved there's every chance they will. I've been there 14 years now and I'm not likely to move so they'd always be getting the benefits. I emailed my boss earlier and he wants to discuss it when he's back in the office so here's hoping.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I'm *thinking* about going back to school.

I have no worries that I'll enjoy the topic and be fine on assessment based things but I'm concerned about exam pressure.

Has anyone gone back and done some sort of course 20+ years after leaving school? If so, how did you find it?

I skipped on Uni but I think this is something I want to do and it's a massive plus if I'm sponsored to do it.

Any thoughts? "

I'm starting college after 10 years and absolutely bricking it. If you know what you want to do, go for it xxx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

i went back when i was 27. Its something called an Access course - access to higher ed/uni

now i think you would need to take out an adult learners loan to fund it but far as i know you dont pay anything back until you have found a job thats paying over 24 a year

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I wasnt great at school, especially in exam situations. However since finding an industry which I find great, I have been put through many exams and college courses and I think I have managed to pass these due to my love of the trade. Hope you do well if you go for it!

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By *irtyGirl OP Woman
over a year ago

Edinburgh

I think I've found the right course.

I think work are going to pay for it!

Does anyone else have experience with online learning? I have a year from when I sign up to complete the course. It's exactly the course I want to do so I don't think that it'll be a problem to do it in the time. Not sure what I'm thinking about the exam thing but I'm going to pretend that's ages away!

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

"I think I've found the right course.

I think work are going to pay for it!

I do. I did an on line course last year. You need to be disciplined, keep in touch with your tutor and ask all the questions you want even if you think they're daft, don't leave submitting work until the last minute in case you need to resubmit and enjoy it

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By *irtyGirl OP Woman
over a year ago

Edinburgh

"I think I've found the right course.

I think work are going to pay for it!

Thank you... when it comes to the exam part do you actually go somewhere to sit it or is that done online too?

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

"I think I've found the right course.

I think work are going to pay for it!

Thank you... when it comes to the exam part do you actually go somewhere to sit it or is that done online too? "

I did mine by assessment only but any professional experience I have of on line courses that are exam based you need to go somewhere to sit them under exam conditions.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

No experience of online learning, but I did my professional accountancy exams alongside a lot of people who hadn't studied for 15 or 20 years, whereas I was straight out of university and had been on the exam treadmill for about 6 years from GCSEs onwards. They had a steep learning curve compared to me in terms of exam technique, but a head start on me in other areas such as keeping it all in perspective and time management!

There will be skills you've gained through your working life that you will bring to studying which others who are good at exams don't have.

I'd love to study further, I miss it!

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

"No experience of online learning, but I did my professional accountancy exams alongside a lot of people who hadn't studied for 15 or 20 years, whereas I was straight out of university and had been on the exam treadmill for about 6 years from GCSEs onwards. They had a steep learning curve compared to me in terms of exam technique, but a head start on me in other areas such as keeping it all in perspective and time management!

There will be skills you've gained through your working life that you will bring to studying which others who are good at exams don't have.

I'd love to study further, I miss it!

I usually study something new each year even if it's just a creative writing course or similar. I miss it if I don't do it too

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

What course/ subject OP?

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By *irtyGirl OP Woman
over a year ago

Edinburgh

"What course/ subject OP?"

It's in event management and marketing.

I'm quite excited cause it's exactly the job I want to do and rather than leave the company I work for, I've sort of created the job for myself there. With help from higher up of course but it's what I'm good at and I love it.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"What course/ subject OP?

It's in event management and marketing.

That's fantastic.

You're very lucky. x

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

"What course/ subject OP?

It's in event management and marketing.

There you go then! You will do well because you love it

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By *irtyGirl OP Woman
over a year ago

Edinburgh

I think I am lucky, especially since it's such a hard field to get into. I did part time work for an events company for a few years just to get some added experience but I've always wanted to do some sort of course. It's not cheap though so a massive plus that I've managed to do it in the job I'm in.

It also means that I don't need to move in terms of jobs, staying where I am and doing my ideal job makes it feel like the last few years have been worth sticking at it. I am pretty lucky with that.

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