The Usefulness of Currently Vetted Teaching/Learning Materials in the Teaching of English Language: the Case of the Open University of Tanzania

Komunte, Bibiana Shauri (2010) The Usefulness of Currently Vetted Teaching/Learning Materials in the Teaching of English Language: the Case of the Open University of Tanzania. ["eprint_fieldopt_thesis_type_phd" not defined] thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to lay a foundation for the analysis of the curriculum input (syllabuses and study materials) and the teaching and learning processes as ways that The Open University of Tanzania (OUT) could use to enhance its students’ academic performance. This study was prompted by the controversy regarding the usefulness of the available Teaching/Learning (T/L) materials. The area of study included OUT Morogoro and Mbeya regional centers and OUT headquarters. A case study design was used. The sample comprised 19 first year English language students, five English language lecturers and 20 key personalities. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis were employed. The data were gathered from interviews, documentation, questionnaires, observations, video and audio-cassettes and achievement tests, while the procedures used in analysis of data such as tutorial interaction coding occurred throughout the research period. The study demonstrated that the syllabuses and study materials were not related to OUT pedagogical guidelines and that the students who studied through exposure to a combination of media experienced better learning atmosphere and performed significantly better than their counterparts who were exposed to the given study materials only. Recommendations of this study included periodic analysis of curriculum input and teaching and learning processes through practice of a combination of media should be given priority for enhancing students’ academic performance.

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