Factors Affecting Completion Rates at the Open University of Tanzania

Rwejuna, Zacharia Reginard (2013) Factors Affecting Completion Rates at the Open University of Tanzania. ["eprint_fieldopt_thesis_type_phd" not defined] thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study explored factors affecting completion rates in open and distance learning institutions, using the Open University of Tanzania (OUT) as a case study. The study was done in Dar es Salaam, Kagera, Mwanza, Shinyanga, Singida, Dodoma, Kilimanjaro and Tanga regions. The study employed a mixed methods design, with emphasis on qualitative approach. It involved 224 respondents reached through questionnaires, focus group discussions, and interviews. The findings indicated that students failed to complete studies on time because of poor examination feedback, low students’ commitment to studies, students’ low income, shortage of study materials, library materials, and supervision problems. The study established opportunities to be harnessed to improve completion rate to be, printed study materials, science laboratories, TV and radio programmes, forging partnerships, as well as investing more in Open Educational Resources (OERs). The strategies to improve completion rate that were found included, use of e-counseling, mobile phones, group discussions with emphasis on interaction and networking, enhanced face to face sessions, enhanced orientation seminars and institutionalizing on demand examinations (ODEX). The recommendations made to improve completion rate at OUT were to adopt a study materials policy that would demand course tutors to ensure that within two years of their teaching they should have developed course materials for their respective courses. Information Communication Technologies (ICT) training programmes should feature in every face to face and orientation programmes that is organized. The Government of Tanzania was called upon to improve electrical power supply in rural areas to facilitate rural based students to learn using OERs.

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