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

Authors

  • Vincent Itai Tanyanyiwa Zimbabwe Open University
  • Rejoice Madobi Lecturer - Zimbabwe Open University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56059/jl4d.v8i2.427

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

Author Biographies

Vincent Itai Tanyanyiwa, Zimbabwe Open University

Vincent Itai Tanyanyiwa is a socio-ecologist pracademic with broad research interests in Environment and Development. His research engages with discussions on ecosystem services and human-environmental relationships, including environmental change and implication on risk and vulnerability of communities and ecosystems to these changes, water issues and urban sustainability. Vincent is a Lecturer in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at the Zimbabwe Open University. Email: tanyanyiwavi@yahoo.com

Rejoice Madobi, Lecturer - Zimbabwe Open University

Rejoice Madobi is an environmentalist with broad research interests in climate change, gender and water resources management. She has been involved in university education for ten years and is a Lecturer in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at the Zimbabwe Open University. Email: joymadobi@yahoo.com

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Published

2021-07-19

How to Cite

Tanyanyiwa, V. I., & Madobi, R. . (2021). Challenges to the Effective Teaching and Learning of Geography through ODeL at the Zimbabwe Open University. Journal of Learning for Development, 8(2), 364–382. https://doi.org/10.56059/jl4d.v8i2.427

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 2 (2021): ISSUE 2

Section

Research Articles

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Received 2020-06-11
Accepted 2021-06-15
Published 2021-07-19