Doctoral Degrees (School of Higher Education Studies)
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Browsing Doctoral Degrees (School of Higher Education Studies) by Subject "Adult education"
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Item Open Access Improving learner support at the Institute of extra-mural studies of the National University of Lesotho(University of the Free State, 2012-06) Makhakhane, Bothephana; Ndereya, C. N.; Wilkinson, A. C.English: Student support is extremely important in the distance mode of learning. Distance students are geographically separated from the institution that offers them tuition. The isolation from the institution and from peers may expose students to loneliness which may lead to anxiety, confusion and even result in dropping out. Therefore, there is an obligation for distance learning institutions to provide adequate and relevant support to enrolled students to enable them to cope with the challenges exacerbated by the mode of learning they have chosen. In most instances distance students are adults who have multiple responsibilities such as raising families, holding full-time jobs and leading communities. Therefore, it is imperative that distance learning institutions provide sufficient support services to distance students. The aim of the study was to undertake an investigation that would identify shortcomings in the nature of support services offered at the Institute of Extra- Mural Studies (IEMS) of the National University of Lesotho. The ultimate goal was to develop an improvement plan that would address the identified critical issues regarding the quality of distance student support at the institute. The literature reviewed provided guidelines for designing an effective student support system. An empirical investigation was conducted to evaluate the nature of IEMS's distance student support. The triangulation mixed-method design was employed to conduct the investigation. Data were collected from students and academic staff through a questionnaire survey and focus group discussions. A resource inventory of IEMS distance learning programme was also conducted. All data were analysed and merged into a strengths-weaknesses-opportunitiesthreats (SWOT) analysis for interpretation. The SWOT analysis presented a contextualised, empirically-based depiction of the current nature of IEMS's distance student support services. The analysis and interpretation of data led to the identification of the shortcomings in the quality of some of the support services offered at IEMS. The findings revealed a number of critical elements that need attention, including tutors' lack of skills in dealing with adult students; the unsatisfactory quality of course materials; a lack of technological support; and the unsatisfactory provision of library services. An improvement plan was then designed in the form of an event guide. Goals to be achieved are outlined and for each goal an event track, indicating the assumed order of events (actions) and the priority status of each event (short-, medium- or long- term), is explained. The improvement plan can be adapted and implemented specifically by the Department of Adult Education (ADE) at IEMS. However, other IEMS academic programmes that may opt to offer their programmes by distance mode can also implement the plan to serve as a guide to the kind of support that can be provided to distance students. The significance of the study lies in the development of an improvement plan based on the directives for designing an effective distance student support.