Strategizing Learner Support to Scaffold Learning and Internal Efficiency in Distance Training Program for In-Service Secondary School Teachers in Rwanda
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Date
2022
Authors
Ndayambaje, Irénée
Orodho, John Aluko
Ogeta, Norbert
Kizito, Ndihokubwayo
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Professional Development, Learners and Learning
Abstract
While distance training program (DTP) was adopted to increase the rate of qualified in-service teachers in Rwandan
secondary schools and upgrade their pedagogical skills, ensuring adequate learner support under this program has
remained cumbersome. This paper was an attempt to explore the provision of learner support in DTP and examine
how learner support can be strategized to scaffold learning and internal efficiency. The study was conducted in the
academic year 2015/2016 and adopted the explanatory sequential mixed-method research design. From a target
population of 1,346, stratified random and purposive sampling techniques enabled to arrive a sample 315
respondents. The findings revealed that DTP students lack adequate exposure to learning resources. The schedule
of DTP activities is volatile; the staff required to assist students are either insufficient or not recruited in good time.
Also, the management of DTP is obstructed by the lack of fully-owned study centers. Hence, in view of the fact that
learner support is a contributing factor towards effective learning and holds a statistically positive relationship with
internal efficiency, the present study suggests that the highlighted weaknesses in DTP learner support be urgently
fixed. In this vein, the management of DTP is recommended to revamp its learner support system by increasing
students’ access to enough and varied learning resources, hiring and training personnel in charge of students’
support, and establishing fully owned and equipped study centers across the country
Description
Article
Keywords
distance education, learner support, scaffolding learning, internal efficiency, Rwanda
Citation
Ndayambaje, I., Orodho, J. A., Ogeta, N., & Ndihokubwayo, K. (2022). Strategizing Learner Support to Scaffold Learning and Internal Efficiency in Distance Training Program for In-Service Secondary School Teachers in Rwanda. International Journal of Professional Development, Learners and Learning, 4(2), ep2207.