Effectiveness of open and distance learning centres in providing non-formal secondary education in Tanzania: a case Study of Institute of Adult Education Regional Centres in Ilala and Kinondoni Municipalities

The study aimed at examining effectiveness of ODL study centres in providing non – formal secondary education in Tanzania. The study was guided by three research questions which focused on internal efficiency of the ODL study centres, students’ characteristics and perceptions and external efficiency of the centres. Murphy and Zhiri (1992) ideas were adapted to guide the investigation.The study employed a case study design and the qualitative research approach although some elements of quantitative research were involved. The study was done in I.A.E. ODL study centres in Dar es Salaam Region. Data were collected from three ODL study centres located in Ilala and Kinondoni Municipalities. The study sample comprised a total of sixty six respondents including one Regional Resident Tutor, two I.A.E officials from ODL Unit, three centre coordinators, six tutors and fifty four students. Students were selected by using simple random sampling technique while the remaining respondents were selected by using purposive sampling technique. Data collection methods included interview, focus group discussion, documentary review and observation. Qualitative data were analysed through content analysis and employed simple calculations, tables, frequencies and percentages for quantitative data. The findings revealed that ODL study centres faced many challenges for instance financial as well as administrative problems in running the study centre system. As a result, the centres were ineffective in providing non - formal secondary school education. However, most of the students preferred to pursue studies in the centres because it was the only alternative which could help them achieve their expectations in life such as to have access to further studies, to get promotion and to acquire knowledge and skills. It was therefore, concluded that existence of ODL study centres were indispensable to Tanzanians’ social and economic development. It was recommended that the IAE should seek enough funds to run the centres and sustain them; provide training and seminars on ODL teaching approach for tutors and improve administration in ODL study centres by employing permanent coordinators to man the study centres.