MERITS AND CHALLENGES OF DISTANCE EDUCATION STUDENTS IN ONE STUDY CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAPE COAST, GHANA

Alaric Awingura Alagbela

Abstract


This study sought to explore the perspectives of the University of Cape distance students in the Bolgatanga Girls Senior High School Study Centre on the merits and challenges associated with distance education programme mode of studying. A qualitative case study design was adopted for the study. The sample size was made up of ten (10) participants: Five student leaders and five-course tutors, one of them being the Centre Coordinator. All ten participants were selected using the intensity case sampling technique of purposeful sampling. An interview guide was the sole data collection instrument. The study revealed that students’ challenges included difficulty comprehending course modules, family pressures and home responsibilities taking a toll on their studies, the lack of student support facilities was also a challenge. Per the findings of the study, recommendations are that the course tutors should provide prompt feedback to students’ assignments and quizzes, course structure guidelines should include information on course format, and the students should be encouraged to form study groups and learn together. Finally, there should be student support services such as library and financial services. These would address their difficulties to a large extent.

 

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distance students, study centre, face-to-face interaction, module, course tutor

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v11i6.5346

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