ERIC Number: EJ861317
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009-Sep
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1492-3831
EISSN: N/A
Distance Learning and Teacher Education in Botswana: Opportunities and Challenges
Sikwibele, Anne L.; Mungoo, Judith K.
International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, v10 n4 Sep 2009
This paper reports on a study at Molepolole College of Education (MCE) involving teachers and tutors in the Diploma in Primary Education (DPE) program by distance mode, an in-service program aimed at upgrading academic and professional qualifications of primary school teachers in Botswana. The study sought to understand the level of access and the challenges faced by teachers and tutors. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, survey, and document analysis. Findings showed that teachers should be enrolled in the program at a younger age, and issues that lead to delays in completion must be addressed. The paper recommends that the Ministry of Education (MOE) hire full-time tutors to support teachers at their bases, provide resources for practical subjects, organize workshops to familiarize tutors with appropriate strategies for adult learners, increase the duration of residential sessions, explore the use of alternative instructional technologies, and institute regular customer evaluations.
Descriptors: Distance Education, Qualifications, Adult Learning, Adult Students, Foreign Countries, Inservice Teacher Education, Elementary School Teachers, Teacher Educators, Interviews, Teacher Surveys, Guidelines, Teaching Conditions, Developing Nations, Barriers, Access to Education, Educational Environment, Educational Development, International Education, Educational Policy, Policy Analysis, Program Effectiveness, Program Implementation, Instructional Effectiveness, Teaching Methods, Correspondence Study, Withdrawal (Education), Blended Learning
Athabasca University. 1200, 10011 - 109 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3S8, Canada. Tel: 780-421-2536; Fax: 780-497-3416; e-mail: irrodl@athabascau.ca; Web site: http://www.irrodl.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Elementary Secondary Education; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Botswana
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A