An Evaluation of Grade Nine English Language Distance Learning Material: The Case of Pan Africa Distance Education Academy
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Date
2008-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to assess if grade 9 English distance
learning material of Pan Africa Distance Academy has the requisite quality that
are often suggested by authors and researchers in the field of distance
learning.
The study was both a quantitative and a qualitative one. It involved content
analysis of the material supplemented by the views and opinions of its users
(tutors and distance learners) and external assessors. In addition, data
obtained from ques!iQnnaire and were analyzed quantitatively. For this
purpose, questionnaire, focus group discussion and document analysis were
employed as instruments of data collection. Three sets of questionnaire along
with the material under study were distributed to the subjects. In addition
focus group discussion was conducted with tutors and external assessors. In
an attempt to fill the gap among the responses of the respondents, the
researcher investigated the material under study.
The result of the study has demonstrated that the material is ineffective since it
does not include many of the components of design features of distance
learning materials such as summary, study guide, reference sections, feedback,
language learning advice and so on. In addition, the material is not flexible
enough to accommodate different language learning styles and strategies as it
follows a similar format. Furthermore, the content of the material is not
motivating to adult learners of the academy.
It was recommended that tutors should use some supplementary materials to
enhance the existing material. In addition, revisers of the material should
include language learning advice, summary, reference sections, feedback and
so on and inspect the relationship between the stated objectives and the real
application of the material.
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Evaluation of Grade Nine