STUDY HABITS OF UNIVERSITY OF CAPE COAST DISTANCE LEARNERS AT CAPE COAST STUDY CENTRE: IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNSELLING

ABSTRACT This study looked at the study habits of University of Cape Coast Distance Education learners in the Cape Coast Study Centre in the Central Region of Ghana. Descriptive survey design was used to conduct the study. Stratified and simple random sampling procedures were used to select 338 Business and Education distance learners. A self-designed questionnaire, which consisted of 40 items, was used to collect data from the respondents. Data collected was analysed by the use of descriptive (frequencies, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (independent t-test). The results of the study revealed that Distance Education students exhibit study habits such as reading while lying in bed, not able to study for three hours in a day, do not look for additional materials from the internet as well as reading over their notes before the next face to face meeting. The results of the study also showed that there was no statistical significant difference between study habits of Business and Education students as well as male and female students. However, there was a significant difference in the study habits of male and female students in terms of time management and concentration. It was found in the study that distance education students need guidance and counselling on time management, prioritizing their daily activities, as well as how to develop effective reading skills. It is therefore recommended that distance education students be provided with guidance and counselling on effective study habits as a support service.