Learner Support Services For Open And Distance Learning Secondary Education Students: Evidence From The Institute Of Adult Education

ABSTRACT

This study primarily investigated the kinds of Learner Support Services (LSS) which are provided by the Institute of Adult Education (IAE) to secondary education through Open and Distance Learning (SE-ODL) students, specifically in Dodoma Region; it also measured the usefulness of these LSS to SE-ODL students and sought to find the best LSS that may be employed by IAE to SE-ODL students. The study was guided by Vygotsky‟s Social-Cultural Theory (SCT) and Holmberg‟s Theory of Distance Education. The sample size was limited to seventy respondents from the IAE in Dodoma Region. This study was qualitative in nature and it employed a case study design using four data collection methods, including questionnaires, interviews, documentary review and observation. Lastly, a thematic analysis technique was used to analyze data through reading, coding and organizing themes and concepts in manageable units. Findings from the study revealed that, in Dodoma Region, the IAE does better in the provision of both academic and non-academic LSS to SE-ODL students. Here services such as face to face tutoring sessions, peer contacts and provision of assignments were found to be well provided and used by majority of the students. On non-academic LSS, counseling services and orientation programmes were also provided, but averagely used by the students. However, it was revealed that the IAE in Dodoma Region provides less ICT-based LSS with minimal usefulness, and also it suffers from insufficient premises and manpower, especially tutors. Lastly, establishment of new centres in other districts and students bulletin board in centres were other new LSS suggested by respondents to be employed by IAE to SE-ODL students.