Challenges for Effective Learning among Open and Distance Learners: Experiences from the Open University of Tanzania Students in Kigoma Municipality

Edward, Jackson K. (2019) Challenges for Effective Learning among Open and Distance Learners: Experiences from the Open University of Tanzania Students in Kigoma Municipality. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

The purpose for doing this study was to investigate the challenges for effective learning among open and distance learners from the open university of Tanzania at Kigoma Municipality. The study was guided by three objectives including: to examine the home factors challenging ODL students towards effective learning at the Open University of Tanzania, to examine the work factors challenging ODL students' towards effective learning at the Open University of Tanzania and to examine the institutional factors challenging ODL students towards effective learning at the Open University of Tanzania. Quantitative and qualitative research approaches were used along with survey design consisting of 106 respondents. Interview, questionnaire, and documentary review methods were used to collect data. The findings revealed the home factors such as failure to balance study time and home duties affect their learning, home responsibilities including cooking, taking care of sick people and community needs limit effective learning. Again work place challenges include the unfavorable work environment, e.g. absence of study space, lack of electricity at work, that both affect ODL students especially in rural areas. Finally, the institutional challenges revealed by the study are lack in provision of feedback on time about the events, lack of teacher contact poor learning infrastructure such as lack of library and books, lecture halls for discussion, enough chairs, tables, as well as playgrounds, affect learning. The study concludes that effective learning among open and distance learners can be achieved by resolving the challenges around students to ensure high completion rates. This study recommends that the Open University of Tanzania should take the responsibility to reduce some of institutional, work, and home challenges so as to increase completion rates the Open University of Tanzania

Item Type: Thesis (Masters)
Subjects: 300 Social Sciences > 370 Education
Divisions: Faculty of Education > Department of Educational foundations
Depositing User: Mr. Administrator OUT
Date Deposited: 23 Nov 2020 12:40
Last Modified: 23 Nov 2020 12:43
URI: http://repository.out.ac.tz/id/eprint/2515

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