Students’ Reasons for Selecting the Open University of Tanzania and their Perception on the Influence of the Societal Agents

Abstract

 In this study 139 OUT active students, of both sexes and from both urban and rural areas in Tanzania, have expressed their main reasons for joining the OUT; and their respective perceptions and experiences of the influence of societal agents on their learning. The societal agents included respondents’ family members, fellow workers and employers, other OUT students and students in conventional higher learning institutions. The results indicate that OUT students have different experiences and perceptions in regard to learning while encountering these agents.  Some respondents feel that some or all of the agents have a positive effect, or a negative effect or a combination of both effects on their learning.  Also, many respondents have a favourable opinion on the OUT while others have an unfavourable opinion. Based on the results, it is recommended that the OUT needs to conduct qualitative studies on this subject and have in place a mechanism for maximizing the positive effects and minimizing the negative effects on the learning process of the students