Factors influencing enrolment of distance learners into Bachelor of Education (Arts) degree at the University of Nairobi: case of primary school teachers in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to establish factors influencing enrolment of distance learners into Bachelor of Education (Arts) Degree at the University of Nairobi; Case of primary school teachers of Nairobi County, Kenya. The study had four research objectives; namely: To assess the influence of Economic factors in enrolment of distance learners into Bachelor of Education (Arts) degree at the UON, to establish the influence,of Learner Support Services in enrolment of distance learners into Bachelor of Education (Arts) degree at the UON, to assess the influence of ICT in enrolment of distance learners into Bachelor of Education (Arts) degree at the UON and to determine the influence of expected returns in enrolment of Distance Learners into Bachelor of Education (Arts) degree at the University of Nairobi. The research used a descriptive survey design method which involved a quantitative design. It targeted a population of one thousand, one hundred (1,100) teachers and a sample size of one hundred and ten (110). Stratified random sampling was used. The research instruments used were questionnaires. The data was collected by use of questionnaires.

Data collection began once permission was sought and granted from the University of Nairobi. A pilot study was done on a selected group of the target population, after which the questionnaires were distributed to the selected sample. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis and statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS). The study established that most of the respondents equivalent to 85.23% had their university education financed through loans. On the provision of learner support services the study revealed that tutoring and peer learner support were fully provided representing 100%.Other learner support services like library learner support services, Guidance and counseling were available though not fully provided. On the use of ICT, the study revealed that79.55%, of the respondents had access to the internet and all the respondents possessed mobile phones.

The study revealed that once the distance learner had completed university studies, the chances of getting promoted were high and the majority of the respondents were promoted within a period of 6 months after completion of their university education representing 79.55%.The study recommended that the government should provide distance learners with loans through the Higher Education Loans Board as this is much easier to acquire and track the repayment thereafter. The University should consider improving Administrative learner support services and Guidance and counseling . This is necessary for some distance learners with personal problems who may need guidance and also incorporate compulsory ICT lessons in the distance learning curriculum and encourage the tutors to correspond with their students through the use of e-mail in sending assignments and projects. The study suggested further research to be carried out on factors influencing enrolment of distance learners into Bachelor of Education (Arts) Degree at the University of Nairobi in other counties within the country.