International Journal of Experiential Learning & Case Studies (Dec 2019)
Issues of Distance Education Tutors in Pakistan: A Study on Print-Based Distance Education
Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate institutional issues relating to tutors of print-based distance education (DE) institutions working in Pakistan. It was a part of descriptive study with mixed design. The present quantitative part comprised of 140 B.Ed tutors of Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) from all the regions in Sindh. A five point Likert Scale questionnaire was developed as a research instrument to collect data. Descriptive statistics, in terms of percentages and mean scores, were used. The results revealed non-meritorious & non-criterion based tutor deployment, low remuneration rates, late payments, seldom payment of invigilation remunerations, non-payment of TA, non-professional behaviour & lack of authority of regional centres(RCs), short time for submission of results, inadequate study centres, lack of general & academic facilities at study centres, non-provision of related study materials, lack of monitoring by RCs, unskilful tutors and inadequate university website for tutors. The study recommends criterion-based tutors’ deployment on merit, enhanced remuneration rates, timely payments, and invigilation remuneration, establishing model study centres, sufficient time for result submission, proper monitoring by RCs, provision of study material and training to distance tutors (DTs) and provision of necessary information & guidance for tutors on AIOU website.
