Improving learner support at the Institute of extra-mural studies of the National University of Lesotho

[摘要] English: Student support is extremely important in the distance mode of learning. Distancestudents are geographically separated from the institution that offers them tuition.The isolation from the institution and from peers may expose students toloneliness which may lead to anxiety, confusion and even result in dropping out.Therefore, there is an obligation for distance learning institutions to provideadequate and relevant support to enrolled students to enable them to cope withthe challenges exacerbated by the mode of learning they have chosen. In mostinstances distance students are adults who have multiple responsibilities such asraising families, holding full-time jobs and leading communities. Therefore, it isimperative that distance learning institutions provide sufficient support services todistance students.The aim of the study was to undertake an investigation that would identifyshortcomings in the nature of support services offered at the Institute of Extra-Mural Studies (IEMS) of the National University of Lesotho. The ultimate goalwas to develop an improvement plan that would address the identified criticalissues regarding the quality of distance student support at the institute. Theliterature reviewed provided guidelines for designing an effective student supportsystem. An empirical investigation was conducted to evaluate the nature ofIEMS's distance student support. The triangulation mixed-method design wasemployed to conduct the investigation. Data were collected from students andacademic staff through a questionnaire survey and focus group discussions. Aresource inventory of IEMS distance learning programme was also conducted. Alldata were analysed and merged into a strengths-weaknesses-opportunitiesthreats(SWOT) analysis for interpretation. The SWOT analysis presented acontextualised, empirically-based depiction of the current nature of IEMS'sdistance student support services.The analysis and interpretation of data led to the identification of theshortcomings in the quality of some of the support services offered at IEMS. Thefindings revealed a number of critical elements that need attention, includingtutors' lack of skills in dealing with adult students; the unsatisfactory quality ofcourse materials; a lack of technological support; and the unsatisfactory provisionof library services. An improvement plan was then designed in the form of anevent 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 eachevent (short-, medium- or long- term), is explained. The improvement plan canbe adapted and implemented specifically by the Department of Adult Education(ADE) at IEMS. However, other IEMS academic programmes that may opt tooffer their programmes by distance mode can also implement the plan to serveas a guide to the kind of support that can be provided to distance students. Thesignificance of the study lies in the development of an improvement plan basedon the directives for designing an effective distance student support.

[发布机构] University of the Free State