Factors affecting primary second cycle teachers' distance training program in Oromia national regional state

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Date

2007-03

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Addis Ababa Universty

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to highlight factors affecting primary second cycle teachers' distance training program in Oromia National Regional State. To conduct the study, a descriptive survey was employed. Open and closed ended questionnaire, interview, document analysis and observation were used to collect necessary data. The samples of the study were chosen using systematic and availability sampling techniques. The research study involved five categories of sample population; distance trainees, tutors, center coordinators, relevant personnel from sample colleges providing distance training program and regional education bureau. Data analysis was made using statistical tools such as frequency count, percentage, grand mean, t-test and chi-square to identify whether there were agreements or differences in the views of the respondents. The study findings indicated that respective colleges did the course material development, production and distribution. However, delay, shortage, and absence of certain modules in a series were common problems. Printed material was the only media employed in course material delivery. There disparity between trainees' expectation between the actual performances of the respective colleges was observed in some major issues of the research. That is, the provision of support-services such as guidance and counseling, face-t01ace tutorial program, practical sessions, provision of resource materials were insufficient and inconsistent. There was no timely feedback on tutormarked assignments and final examinations. According to this study, reasons for the delay of services were due to limited institutional capacity, overcentralization of major activities at the central level of each college and rely on one mode of delivery system. Moreover, the recruitment and selection of tutors was not open to all; necessary induction and training were not conducted. The largest group of the trainees did not benefited from face-t01ace tutorial programs mainly due to a long distance of tutorial centers from their respective work place and insufficient time given for the tutorial sessions. The result obtained also indicated the main financial inputs were obtained from the tuition fees and other obligatory payments. The trainees claimed that the tuition fees did not consider their economic status as the largest number of them were married, had children and paid average salary of Birr 501 to 600. Besides, the support services provided by each college did not comply with the payments. To sum up, the result obtained depicted that factors affecting the system are closely related to organization and coordination, a variety of media employed, provision of student support services, and financial inputs of the system. Finally, based on the major findings and conclusions, recommendations were forwarded to tackle the problems understudy .

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Keywords

Distance training program

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