Factors influencing completion of bachelors of education by distance education in Kenyatta university, Nyeri municipality, Kenya

Abstract

The study sought to investigate factors influencing the completion of Bachelor of Education (B.ED) degree distance education. The study had four objectives which were to: establish the extent to which cost-benefit of distance learning influence completion of B.Ed degree by distance education; determine the extent to which time management influences completion of B.Ed degree by distance education; establish the extent to which self-motivation influence completion of B.Ed degree by distance education; establish the extent to which external distraction influence completion of B.Ed degree by distance education. To achieve the objectives the study used a survey design where a questionnaire was used to collect data. The population of the study was the 100 Kenyatta University students enrolled for bachelor of education degree programme and teaching in primary schools in Nyeri municipality between 2007 and 2009. A census of all 100 teachers was through snowballing. The data collected was analysed using SPSS to generate frequency table, mean and percentage. A Pearson’s correlation coefficient was computed to establish the relationship between the independent variable and dependent variable. The finding of the study included: Majority of the teachers have deferred the degree programs. Cost-benefit considerations were the most important factor influencing completion of the B.Ed degree program by distance education. Time management self motivation and external distraction were also found to influence completion of the B.Ed program by distance education but not as important as cost-benefit considerations. The cost of reading materials, module, travelling and accommodation accounted for the bulk of the cost of the B.Ed by distance learning. The study concludes that cost-benefit consideration, time management, self-motivation and external distraction are important factors that influence the completion of B.Ed degree through distance education. The cost-benefits are especially critical in ensuring the students complete their study on time. Self-motivation as a factor influencing completion was found to be into two folds, on one hand the universities have not provided enough support and time for completion of the program. On the other hand the students are not allocating enough time to read as required. The study recommends the government to establish a special fund to help student finance distance education, Teachers service commission to synchronize distance education schedule with school calendar. Further research can be done on factors affecting completion in other locations and for other courses for purpose of comparison.