Provision of Learner Support Services to Undergraduate Students of the Open University of Tanzania: A Case Study of Temeke Regional Centre

Mlay, Juliana (2013) Provision of Learner Support Services to Undergraduate Students of the Open University of Tanzania: A Case Study of Temeke Regional Centre. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the extent to which provision of learner support services to the Open University of Tanzania (OUT) undergraduate students influenced teaching and learning process in distance learning. Specifically, the study intended to examine the availability of learner support services for improving and facilitating distance learning; investigate quality of the available learning support services in maintaining quality distance education; and examine the managerial challenges faced by the Director of the Regional Centre in the provision of learning support services. Methodologically, qualitative approach was used and the study was conducted at Temeke Regional Centre, Dar es Salaam. Participants of the study included 45 undergraduate students, one Director of the Regional Centre (DRC), eight lecturers, two ICT Technicians, and one librarian. Data were collected through interviews, documentary review, and focus group discussion. Findings revealed that there was a great shortage and poor supply of study materials and library services to the students. In line with research findings and the drawn conclusion, researcher recommends that library services and face-to-face sessions should be arranged and provided irregularly and consistently at the regional centre according to the set-timetable focusing on the academic issues as the core function; guidance and counselling services should be established; ICT services should be provided; University examinations should be derived from the course outlines, study materials provided and content covered to ensure relevance and validity of the examinations; finally researcher recommends for a study to assess the practices, achievement and effectiveness of OUT decentralization policy of establishing regional centres in providing and downsizing services to the clients.

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