Appraisal of the implementation of secondary school education through open and distance learning: a case of institute of the adult education centers in Sumbawanga municipality

The study sought to appraise teaching and learning process in secondary education through open and distance learning in Sumbawanga, Tanzania. It examined specific criterion for enrolling Open and Distance Learning students, availability of qualified professionals’ teachers, teaching and learning materials as well as the learning support provided to ODL learners. The study used a qualitative research approach. It involved a sample of sixty informants obtained through purposive and stratified sampling. The categories of sample were students and teachers in four ODL centres, one District Education Officer and one Residential tutor. Data were collected through interview, observation method, focus group discussion and documentary review. Research findings were analyzed qualitatively. Findings from the study revealed that there were no specific criteria used by Institute of Adult Education for enrolling ODL learners. Teachers in ODL programmes were mainly working on part time basis with no training in ODL programmes. Also was found that ODL centres lacked essential teaching and learning materials. It is concluded that, in ODL centres, teaching and learning materials are inadequate, and the little that are available are not efficiently and effectively used in the teaching and learning process. The study recommends that IAE has to provide adequate qualified and motivated teachers as well as basic teaching and learning materials to OLD centres. The centres coordinators need to be creative, and look for alternative ways of raising funds from self-help projects and other stakeholders (parents and donors) in order to prepare study materials for OLD students. It is also recommended that there is need for employing qualified ODL teachers.