The Workload Comparison: Brick University vs. Open University
As I embark on my first year of a creative writing degree at the Open University, I can’t help but notice the stark difference between my workload and that of my sister, who is pursuing an animation degree at a traditional brick university. It’s fascinating—and a little concerning—to observe how the two educational paths differ in terms of demands.
My sister is constantly bogged down with assignments, group projects, and what seems like an endless stream of deadlines. Her schedule is packed, leaving her little to no time for relaxation or leisure. She’s in a perpetual state of grinding through her studies, often having to revisit and redo work to meet the expectations of her instructors.
On the other hand, my experience with the Open University has been quite different. With only two assignments to complete each month and some revision materials to review, my workload feels manageable. Surprisingly, I’m achieving good grades without the overwhelming pressure that my sister faces.
This disparity has left me wondering: Am I not engaging enough with my studies? Am I missing out on something crucial by not being as busy as she is?
The truth is that both educational paths have their merits and challenges. While brick universities often emphasize a more rigorous and structured approach to education, Open University offers flexibility and adaptability that can cater to different learning styles and lifestyles.
In the end, it’s essential to recognize that the quality of education isn’t solely determined by the quantity of work but rather by what one gets from the experience. Each path is unique, and both lead to valuable outcomes—even if they look quite different on paper. As I continue my journey, I’ll embrace my workload while appreciating the diverse ways education can unfold.
It’s great to see you reflecting on your educational journey and comparing it to your sister’s experience. Understanding the differences in workload between various types of institutions can provide insight into your own learning process and help you make the most of your studies.
Differences in Structure and Assessment
Curriculum Design: Traditional universities (brick universities) often have a more rigid structure with regular classes, group projects, and weekly assignments. This structure can create a perception of constant workload. On the other hand, open universities, like the Open University (OU), tend to follow a more flexible model. This allows for independent learning; thus, the assignments may appear less frequent. It’s essential to appreciate that both models have their merits and challenges.
Teaching Methods: Your sister might be experiencing a more collaborative educational approach that often comes with practical courses like animation. These programs require significant hands-on practice, participation in critiques, and iterative assignments, which can pile on the workload. Conversely, creative writing at the OU may focus more on individual competency and written work, allowing you to pace yourself and potentially reducing the feeling of a heavy workload.
Nature of Assessment: The types of assessments can also greatly differ. For example, if your sister’s degree heavily incorporates project-based learning and continuous assessment, it may result in a more significant accumulation of tasks over time, whereas your assignments could be based on fewer but more extensive tasks.
Efficiency and Learning Strategies
Workload Management: You might feel like you’re doing less, but it’s crucial to assess the quality and depth of your work rather than just the quantity. Your grades suggest that your assignments are resonating well with criteria and expectations. Consider increasing your own workload slightly by engaging more deeply with the materials or seeking additional creative writing projects, like writing groups or workshops, to challenge yourself further.
Skill Development: Since your sister is in a practical field, she may also be spending substantial time developing skills that require significant practice (e.g., animation software, collaboration on group projects). Exploring skills that complement your creative writing, like crafting narratives for different media or engaging in peer editing, might not only enrich your experience but also help you build a diverse skill set.
Time Management: Explore whether your assignments could be further spaced out or perhaps consider undertaking more independent projects. This might enhance your portfolio and provide a broader range of experiences. Balancing your workload with activities outside of your coursework can enrich your educational experience and improve your writing skills.
Clarifying Academic Expectations
Discuss with Advisors: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your course advisors or tutors to discuss your experience. They can provide guidance on whether your workload aligns with expectations and encourage you to push yourself further if you desire more challenge.
Peer Connections: Engaging with your peers who are on similar paths can also illuminate different approaches and workloads. Sharing your experiences, discussing your assignments, and potentially collaborating on creative projects can not only provide new insights but also help you better gauge your development compared to others in similar fields.
In conclusion, the difference in workload between your studies and your sister’s does not necessarily indicate that you’re doing anything wrong. It’s more about the structure and nature of the degrees. However, if your goal is to expand your workload while maintaining excellence, consider seeking out additional opportunities within your degree, refining your skills, and possibly setting higher personal goals. Embrace your educational journey, take the time to reflect on what you want from it, and remember that learning is as much about quality as it is about quantity.