Challenges to the Effective Teaching and Learning of Geography through ODeL at the Zimbabwe Open University

Abstract

ODeL offers a lot of opportunities and unique challenges for adult learners. In this paper, the authors sought to examine the main problems that influence the effective teaching and learning of geography and environmental studies in Zimbabwe through ODeL as perceived by the students at the ZOU's Harare/Chitungwiza Regional Campus. This single case study employed vital informant semi-structured interviews, documentary analysis and observations to solicit information from ten students and four tutors in the Geography and Environmental Studies Department (DGES) over three months. Thematic analysis and review of qualitative gained insight into the challenges that are faced by ODeL students in the DGES. The study found out that students in the department face personal and socio-economic challenges as well as related institutional challenges. The study recommends that the ZOU DGES should offer more academic support and improve its communication to the students so that they are aware of all university-related developments that impact on their studies. Keywords: challenges, teaching, learning, ODL, ODeL