We need more contact time with our own tutors. Currently, I talk to other tutors (in cluster tutorials) far more than I talk to my own.
Tutors should do monthly drop-in sessions for their tutor groups, to discuss any issues, and build that sense of tutor group community. It would also be a great source of motivation. In a ‘traditional’ university, students are surrounded daily by other students and staff, but when you’re on your own as we students of the OU are, there is no one else to hold you accountable for getting your work done. More regular contact from our own tutors and tutor groups would go a long way to support students to complete their courses and make it a more enjoyable, less isolating experience. At the very least, tutors should check-in by email once a month.