Widening Access to Science-Oriented Programmes in Tertiary Institutions in Ghana Through Distance Education

Authors

  • Collins Kwabena Osei Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi
  • Joseph Addinyia Mensah Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56059/jl4d.v1i1.10

Keywords:

Access, Science Oriented Education Programmes, Distance Education

Abstract

An initiative in Science and Technology disciplines was introduced to expand access to KNUST programmes by distance. This study examined the level of access and challenges faced by learners in science oriented programmes offered by distance in KNUST. Analysis of data from 120 learners and 8 facilitators from three programmes indicated that the top-up programmes by distance increased enrolment and participation of learners. There were high rates of students’ persistence in the various programmes attributed to strong personal determination to succeed in achieving higher academic status, availability of learning materials for courses and support from family members. Lack of time as a result of work activities to delays in receiving course materials among students, and short contact hours to low remuneration for facilitators were challenges faced by respondents.

Author Biographies

Collins Kwabena Osei, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi

Dr. C. K. Osei is a Vice Dean in the Institute of Distance Learning and a Lecturer in the Department of agricultural Economics, Agribusiness and Extension in Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi.

He holds an M.Sc. degree in Agricultural Extension and a PhD in Educational Evaluation

Joseph Addinyia Mensah, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

Mr. J. A. Mensah

Mr. J. A. Mensah is a Research Fellow in the Institute of Distance Learning and a Lecturer in the Department of Applied and Theoritical Sciences at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi.

He holds an Msc. degree in Botany and a postgraduate diploma in Distance Education.

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Published

2013-12-20

How to Cite

Osei, C. K., & Mensah, J. A. (2013). Widening Access to Science-Oriented Programmes in Tertiary Institutions in Ghana Through Distance Education. Journal of Learning for Development, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.56059/jl4d.v1i1.10

Issue

Section

Research Articles
Received 2013-08-23
Accepted 2013-11-29
Published 2013-12-20