I think my head might explode....

I have a pretty big assignment due for uni in the next 3 1/2 weeks. I am so intimidated by it. I am really feeling overwhelmed and out of my depth. I have failed this subject twice before. So I have reason to be petrified. I can't fail again, or I need to redo the entire course. Which we wouldn't really be able to afford (though I am using HECS, I can't keep on redoing subjects. We have to pay it off eventually!)

I have no idea where to start or if I am on the right track. I am going to have to start volunteering at the local day care centre to have somewhere to base my assignment on (I am studying early childhood/primary teaching), so that is more time and strain on me. I thought I would be ok doing the studying thing again, since DS2 is 2yrs old now. But I really just want to cry and curl up in bed and ignore the world. It all feels too much.

How do you get past the added stress? Maybe I have been SAHM for too long and have forgotten what this kind of stress is like. It's been 3 years since I have worked (in a workplace!) and 4yrs since I last studied. It's overwhelming. I guess it's just a matter of JFDI. And que sera sera.

I think it's just a matter of one step at a time. I would make myself a little timetable (perhaps it was a way of procrastinating??) with mini steps to complete to get the assignment done. I'd sometimes even give myself an aim, such as complete 200 words a day, making sure I allow a couple of days at the end for editing and proof reading. I found the '200 a day' worked well when I was really unmotivated as only 200 is easy. I could 'cheat' some days by maybe writing the opening of a few paragraphs that I knew I wanted to write (but couldn't be bothered looking up facts for at that time) and on other days, when I was more motivated I'd do the more nitty gritty stuff.

Oh a side note, I'm a teacher who recently did my Masters, so I'm still pretty fresh with the study thing. If you'd like some sort of help so you pass the topic let me know. I can't promise anything, but I'll do my best!

:hug: The big ones can be really intimidating, can't they?

But, you know what? If they weren't challenging, you wouldn't be learning anything.

Here's what I do: right at the beginning, I get a couple of pieces of paper out, and some coloured pens/textas.

I write down the assignment question. I then divide it into chunks, by underlining the bits that are the key words. Then I sit and stare at it for about 5 minutes, soaking in what the question is. Then I think about which bits of what they've taught might be the bits that answer those chunks, and I jot those down, kind of like a free-form mind map. Then, I get another piece of paper and turn the question into a set of headings. Under each heading I jot down a few ideas, keywords, plans of what I need to do/find/write about.

This process gives you a set of really clear, small steps you can follow, instead of one big uber-assignment. If you're still confused/uncertain at this point, contact your tutor/lecturer, or a study buddy, and sound out your ideas. They will soon tell you if you're on the right track or not.

This is what I would do - write down what you think your approach will be and then talk/email your tutor about it. I'm studying too and the first steps are the hardest. Best to get some peace of mind and make sure you're on the right track.

And, if closer to the deadline you're still struggling, ask for an extension.

I hate asking questions, I really, really do. But if it helps get you started then it's worth risking embarrassment. I've found my tutors incredibly helpful - and remember, they want you to pass.

Thanks everyone. Your posts have me in tears, lol. I went for a walk after I posted because I was getting anxious. Like tight chest and sore throat kind of anxious.

Thanks for the different strategies to attack this damned assignment. I will give them a go tonight when the kids go to bed. For now, I am going to forget I have an assignment due soon and eat some chocolate!

I'm just about finished my masters, and I know how tough large papers can be. I have written lots of big ones recently and my strategy is:

Open a new word document and save it...yes even that makes you feel better.
Start writing down the assigmnent requirements
Start brainstorming ideas and create headings
Do research and then copy/paste research under your headings. Create the bibliography entry at that point so you don't have to do it at the end.
Tackle each section at a time and start re-reading all the research to get a feel for the big picture.
Think, think, think and write stuff. Give yourself a lot of thinking time.
Write an introduction so you can create a contention or argument.
Write each section under your headings in a methodical way with the argument strongly present (I work after kids go to bed).
Always reference as you go, so you don't have to do it at the end.
Send it to someone else to copyedit, i.e. read for sense and repeated words.
Submit and don't think about it again.

I have an HD average and have written 4 assignments with a total of 16k words combined since March, so this method is tried and tested LOL!

Good luck!!

I tackle my assignments much like Arcadia does too. It's always worked well for me!

What about student support at your uni? I know at ours we can get assistance through the entire essay writing process- including having someone read our finished draft.

Also there are loads of resources on the net about how to write effective essays- I "brainstorm" to begin with and have enjoyed using mindmapping Learning Resources: Mind Mapping

Learning Resources: Essay Writing