Impact of adult distance learning on teachers : a case study of Katete Day Secondary School, Zambia

Abstract

The study aimed at addressing the contribution adult distance learning in as far as personal growth and economic development is concerned through the acquisition of new skills. More so, the study addressed challenges that affected the adult learners in their learning process. By and large the teachers who were respondents undertook their training from various institutions across the country and beyond, thus having a broad spectrum of challenges. The study was largely qualitative in nature and used a case study design. However, some of the data were interpreted quantitatively, effectively making this a mixed-methods study. It centred on how teachers in adult distance learning and learners are impacted and the challenges which affect adult distance learning in general. Katete Day Secondary School was chosen as a site from where interviews were carried out. The target sample included eight teachers, the head of the institution and one official from the District Education Office. The sample size was determined based on the fact that a rich source of information from the informants was available at the main site selected, making it easier and cost-effective for the researcher and the informants. The target sample of 8 teachers was selected by using snow ball sampling. The technique was ideal because it avoided naturally linked bondages amongst respondents. The head of the institution (01) and the District Education Standards Officer (01) were selected using purposive technique. The technique was employed because data collected was more specific and could only be provided by strategically positioned respondents. The semi-structured interview schedule was used for all the categories of participants. Qualitative data was analysed thematically through identification of themes which prominently emerged from the data collected. The other form of data collection used was through the analysis of documents collected from the school which aimed at assessing the performance of learners in the grade twelve general certificate examination for three consecutive years basing. The data were important to ascertain whether the performance of teachers who studied through distance learning had any impact on the performance of school-going learners. The study revealed that respondents had challenges in adult distance education because of the misinterpretations surrounding the meaning of the concept ‘adult education’. The study also revealed that adult distance students encountered many challenges during the course of their studies. The challenges ranged mainly from lack of financial support, lack of adequate and timeous feedback to demanding work schedules. However, participants highlighted how they mitigated the challenges they encountered. Among the mitigations cited were accessibility to loan facilities, working extra hours and as well as being in constant contacts with other students. All the participants were, however, in full support on the relevance of adult education because of the role it plays in development; provision of opportunities for individual growth and acquisition of knowledge and skills.