Perceptions of Students on the Conduct of Tutorials in Zimbabwe Open University

A Case Study of the Midlands Region

Authors

  • Nyengeterai Chemhuru Zimbabwe Open University, Zimbabwe
  • Remigios Vurayayi Mangizvo Zimbabwe Open University, Zimbabwe
  • Winifrida Shingirayi Nyamande Zimbabwe Open University, Zimbabwe

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31686/ijier.vol3.iss1.295

Abstract

This research paper examines the perceptions of students towards tutorials in the Midlands Region of the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU). In particular the study intended to establish whether the tutorials were conducted in a manner that satisfied the students. This case study was pragmatic in approach as it utilized both quantitative and qualitative techniques such as questionnaires, interviews and observations. The study established that both tutors and students had problems in distinguishing between tutorials and lectures. Most students preferred being lectured to, although this was not the delivery mode used in ZOU. The study further established that in some cases tutors and students did not prepare adequately when they came for tutorials. This affected the smooth flow of sessions. Lack of modules affected the conduct of tutorials. The study recommends that tutors should be inducted on how to conduct tutorials. Modules should be provided before the commencement of the semester.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

  • Nyengeterai Chemhuru, Zimbabwe Open University, Zimbabwe

    Lecturer, Department of Counselling

  • Remigios Vurayayi Mangizvo, Zimbabwe Open University, Zimbabwe

    Senior Lecturer: Department of Geography and Environmental Studies

  • Winifrida Shingirayi Nyamande, Zimbabwe Open University, Zimbabwe

    Lecturer, Department of Special Needs Education and Disability Studies

References

Ampadu, E. (2010). Students’ Attitude towards Adult Education Programmes: The Case of Ghana.

International Journal on New Trends and Their Implications, 1(3), 64-73.

Babbie, E. (1993). The Practice of Social Research. Wardsworth, California

Benza, T. (2001). Zimbabwe Open University Extends the Frontiers of Tertiary Education Beyond the

Boundaries in Mashonaland Central. International Journal of Open and Distance Learning, 1(1), 17-30.

Chabaya, R. A,.Chadamoyo, P. and Chiome, C. (2011). Students Perceptions of Servive Delivery at the

Zimbabwe Open University: Masvingo Regional Campus; Zimbabwe International Journal of Open and

Distance Learning. 1(1), 10-17

Chidakwa, C. and Majoni, C. (2005).Views on the role of Tutorials in Teaching and Learning at the Zimbabwe

Open University: Harare: Zimbabwe Open University

Chikoko, V. and Chiome, C. Quality Tutorials in Open and Distance Learning: Expliring Experiences of

Zimbabwe Open University Students, African Educational Research Journal, 1 (2), 152-160.

Guernsey, L. (1998), Distance Education for the not – so distant. Chronicle of Higher Education 44(29), 29-30.

Islam, S. and Jahan, N. (2009). Tutors’ and Learners’ Perceptions and Experiences of ODL System in

Bangladesh: A Study of Bangladesh Open University. 7 (1), 84-93.

Keagan, D. (1996). Foundations of Distance Education. London and New York, Routledge.

Makoni, S. (2000). Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: A Handbook for Southern Africa:

Johannesburg, Witwatersrand University Press

Moore, M. and Tait, A. (2005). Open and Distance Learning: Trends, Policy and Strategy Considerations:

Paris: UNESCO

Ndeya- Ndereya, C, Mhlanga, E, and Chikuya, H. (2003). A Guide for Tutors in Open and Distance Teaching:

Harare, Zimbabwe Open University

Ngara, R. and Ngwarai, R. (2013). Tutor Effectiveness: Conceptions and Student Teachers at Zimbabwe Open

University in Masvingo. European Social Sciences Research Journal, 1 (1), 42-54.

Nhundu, T.J. (1997). Tutor’s Handbook: A Guide to Tutoring in the University College of Distance Education.

Harare, University of Zimbabwe.

Ojo, D, A and Olakulehin, F, K. (2006) “Attitudes and Perceptions of Students to Open and Distance Learning DOI: https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v7i1.313

in Nigeria”. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning,7(1), Available at:

<http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/313/494>.

Osei, C.K. (2010). Perceptions of Students towards Use of Distance Learning: The Case in an Executive Masters

Business Program in Ghana. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, 13(2),

http://www.editlib.org/p/76545/.

Richardson, J. T. E. (2005). Students Perceptions of Academic Quality and Approaches to Studying in Distance DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/0141192052000310001

Education. British Educational Research Journal, 31, 7-27.

Sahin, I., and Shelley, M. (2008). Considering Students’ Perceptions: The Distance Education Student

Satisfaction Model. Educational Technology and Society. 11(3), 216-223.

Downloads

Published

2015-01-01

How to Cite

Chemhuru, N., Mangizvo, R. V., & Nyamande, W. S. (2015). Perceptions of Students on the Conduct of Tutorials in Zimbabwe Open University: A Case Study of the Midlands Region. International Journal for Innovation Education and Research, 3(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.31686/ijier.vol3.iss1.295