Enhancing Open Distance Learning through Competency-Based Approaches: A Case of The Open University of Tanzania
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61538/jipe.v8i1.173Abstract
The study investigated the learning style preferences of 250 students at the Open University of Tanzania in five components of teaching and learning namely: (a) mode of material delivery, (b) interactions of students with materials, with their peers, and with their instructors, (c) the structure in which learning materials are presented (d) technology skills and usage/e- learning, and (e) evaluation/assessment methods. The study established that while students preferred structured lecture notes, they, on the other hand, preferred assessment approaches that examined them for mastery of concepts, logical reasoning, application, and sequencing of ideas. The study recommended the necessity of developing students’ e-learning skills to allow for the use of cutting edge technology to help them help student improve vital competencies needed for personal, professional as well as national development. The study also recommended the need to create more interactions among students through discussion boards and online presentations. The study concluded that integration of a competency- based curriculum in the ODL has great potential to influence learners’ competenciesReferences
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