PERCEPTION OF TUTORS ABOUT TUTORIALS IN OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING (A CASE STUDY OF ALLAMA IQBAL OPEN UNIVERSITY)

Abstract

Tutoring of learners is an old practice. Tutorials are to be effective if the tutors have some indispensable qualities. One of these is content knowledge of a tutor which is essential for tutoring. There are many other personal qualities and features of a tutor essential for tutoring. If a tutor is willing to be a sincere tutor and help his students then the students will seek solutions of their problems from him and discuss their problems with him. If the students feel that they can get benefit from tutors` contributions then they arrive for tutorials. Much of the quality of tutorials depends on the attitude of the tutors and their capabilities in using modern educational technology. Research suggests that the effective tutorials in open distance learning is based on preparation, excellent communication skills, and understanding of the tutors. This survey was conducted to find out the perception of tutors about tutorials in Open Distance Learning at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU). The objectives of the study were to find out the perceptions of the tutors about tutorials in ODL at AIOU and to give suggestions for improvement in the tutorial system. In view of the time constraints, the study was consisted of the tutors involved at the Peshawar and Rawalpindi Regions of the AIOU in B.Ed. Course 512 (Perspectives of Education) of semester spring 2012. The data was collected through a questionnaire developed on five point Likert Scale. The data was analyzed and the results were converted into frequency distribution, percentage and mean scores. The tutors perceived that tutor engages students in learning activities by using question answer approach in tutorials which is more active for teaching. Tutorials can help in student interaction with each other and they can learn and think in a critical way. Majority of the tutors agreed that tutorial can aid in the development of the necessary knowledge and abilities of the students. Tutorial is based on interactive approach, and its timing and duration is perfect. It was found out that in tutorials tutor remains punctual while the students are not punctual. It was found that all the necessary facilities were not available in the tutorials. Tutor’s training was found necessary. It was recommended that there is a need of comprehensive training for tutors to conduct the tutorials. The availability of tutors at the study centers may be made ensure as per schedules issued to the tutors and students so that to make interaction between students to learn from each other. Study centers may be established in the locations which would be accessible for the tutors and students and especially for female tutors and students of far flung areas. All the necessary facilities, including multimedia may be provided at the study centers. Monitory incentives for the tutors may be increased and the strength of students per tutor may be decreased so as the tutor may participate wholeheartedly and give meaningful feedback on assignments of every student.