An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Support Services of Distance Learners of the Project 17,000 in Oromia Region (The Case of Tutorial Centers under Adama Teachers College)

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the support services of distance learners of project 17,000 in Oromia Region with particular reference to the centers under the auspices and supervision of Adama Teachers College. The graduates from Adama Teachers College through this mode were target population of this study. Out of 21 tutorial centers, six centers (Adama, Bishoftu, Shashamane, Asella, Robe and Haramaya) were purposely selected for their high rate of dismissal cases and for their taking re-exams repeatedly. From these tutorial centers, a total of 72 tutors (12 tutors per center) and 350 graduates (out of 1075 graduates) were drawn proportionally by using systematic random sampling techniques. Center coordinators from each center were also taken as subjects of the study. To obtain the required information from the subjects, survey questionnaire were developed both for graduates and for tutors. Moreover, focus group discussion was also held with coordinators of the centers. Data collected through these instruments were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The analysis revealed that the support services were not effective enough. Problem of provision of materials (modules), ineffective tutorial sessions, lack of feedback on assignments, lack of access to counseling and library services, ineffective laboratory sessions and radio programs were some of the factors that hindered the effectiveness of the support services of the program. Based on these findings, recommendations are forwarded to alleviate the problems.