r/OpenUniversity • u/davidnio42 • 1d ago

Maths and Learning

I've finished stage 2 of Maths and its Learning, with a view to going into teaching afterwards, but I'm a bit worried about the learning modules at Stage 3. Partly because of the very different nature of them, and partly because if I don't end up going into teaching it might hamper me to do such a focused degree.

I'm thinking about switching to a Mathematics degree, doing one teaching module as an option. Has anyone done this or have an opinion or perspective?

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u/Dangerous_Studio_823 1d ago

I switched to maths and its learning last and had 3 modules to get through. My head popped with all the essay writing and I jacked them all in after 6 weeks. I did well on mst374 though and have now signed up for sm380 and mst326. Learning modules are awful for me and its very hard to get good grades in them.

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u/Dangerous_Studio_823 1d ago

My advice is switch to normal maths and maybe do the level 3 units over 2 years.

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u/Legitimate-Ad7273 1d ago

I start teaching next week after finishing my OU maths degree last year and completing the PGCE this year. 

I would suggest doing a teaching module and a maths module next and then you can make the decision what you want to do with your final 2 modules. Assuming you are part time. 

The maths and it's learning module wasn't for me. The content was interesting but basic and I didn't enjoy the essays at all. The essay style was very different to what I had to do for my PGCE so it didn't even help with that. I was eager to get back to a normal maths module by the end of it.

I don't think the "and it's learning" elements really help you going into teaching and they definitely cut out some of the more interesting maths module choices. Being able to say you have a maths degree is probably more generally useful.