Printed: 29 July 2010 at 15:38:22

Common issues

Over the years distance learning delegates have raised a number of common issues and we have developed additional support and flexibilities to help:

1) Not being able to keep to your original study plan - don't panic - contact Kiran and get some advice on deadlines and the amount of work you still need to do. It may be better to slow down if there are other pressures on your time and delay taking the exam or assignment until the next session.  Bear in mind that the assignments do change for each session - so you may not want to give up if you have already done 75% of the assignment! Your tutor will be able to advise you on this especially if you have prepared an outline or started your draft. You can extend your support with us if need be. The important thing is to let us know.

2) Needing more contact or support - You set your own pace for learning. Some delegates do not want a lot of contact with the college and prefer to learn at their own pace. Other delegates discover they would prefer more contact with a tutor and other delegates. Sometimes it is simply a case of  making the most of the support that is available. Click on the Support available link in the menu above and make sure you are making the most of the resources listed. If you are not sure how to take advantage of any of the support available contact Kiran or Kirsten for help. In addition, if you decide you need more tutor contact, perhaps for a more difficult module, you can attend taught Weekends or Saturday Seminars at any of our Study Centres. The cost is just £175 + VAT per module. Timetables are on the website and you can call Kirsten to book a place.

3) Change of circumstances - Life changes. We have supported delegates who have been promoted, moved country, started a family, been made redundant or sadly become ill. We are used to suggesting strategies to cope. If you are worrying about your studies because of a life change, contact us.

4) Haven't studied for a long time - You are not alone! If you are taking exams, you may find a revision and exam technique class or webinar helps. Have a look at the past papers, specimen answers and examiners' reports on the College website. If you are taking assignments make sure you download them early and send your tutor an outline and a full draft for feedback. You will find additional guidance on undertaking and submitting assignments in the back of your Study Guides and in the pack downloaded with your assignments. Make sure you are clear about the deadlines - if you miss them the CIM will not accept your work. Have a look at the past assignments and specimen answers on the website to get a feel for the quality that is expected. Contact your tutor if you are unsure about a particular topic or aspect of the assignment.

5) English is not your first language - make sure that Kiran and your tutor are aware of this so they can take it into account in providing feedback and advice on draft EPQs or assignments. If you have a choice over the assignment questions it may be best to avoid questions which require you to write in a particular style e.g choose a management report or presentation question rather than a question asking for a carefully targeted advertorial.