Stakeholders’ Perceptions about the Competences of Open and Distance Learning Graduates

Joyceline A. Semwenda, Ernest S. Kira, James A. Nyangas, Benedicto W. Msangya and Jamal J. Athumani
Additional contact information
Joyceline A. Semwenda: Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Box 3038, Tanzania
Ernest S. Kira: Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Box 3038, Tanzania
James A. Nyangas: Department of Foundation and Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Box 3038, Tanzania
Benedicto W. Msangya: Department of Foundation and Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Box 3038, Tanzania
Jamal J. Athumani: Department of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Box 3038, Tanzania

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2024, vol. 8, issue 12, 4643-4653

Abstract: Education plays a vital role in individual and national development. Open and Distance Learning (ODL) is an educational approach that enables learners to study independently within their own environments without attending conventional classes. In ODL, the learning is facilitated through provided course outlines or modules. This quantitative study investigates the perceptions of key stakeholders, including ODL learners, employers, and the head of a nearby school, regarding the skills, values, and competencies of ODL graduates, as well as their ability to perform assigned tasks. The study was conducted at the Institute of Adult Education learning centres found in Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, and Ruvuma, with a total of 622 respondents. The data was collected through closed-ended questionnaires and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Descriptive statistics, including tables, frequencies, and percentages, were used to present the data, while inferential analysis employed the Pearson Chi-square test to determine relationships between variables. The results indicate that stakeholders, including employers and ODL learners, expressed confidence in the innovative skills developed by ODL graduates. The heads of the nearby schools were particularly confident with graduates’ communication skills. Employers showed the highest confidence in the graduates’ ability to effectively manage assigned tasks. Similarly, the heads of the nearby schools were confident in the ODL program for equipping graduates with quality and sustainable skills to serve their communities. They also recognized the graduates’ ability to demonstrate a high level of competence when taking on responsibilities. ODL learners consistently expressed confidence in nearly all aspects of the program’s outcomes. The study recommends that ODL institutions partner with employers to understand the skills ODL graduates should possess to succeed in the workplace. Additionally, ODL institutions should ensure that their programs are of high quality so that all graduates meet consistent standards of professional readiness in the labour market.

Date: 2024
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