Assessing the Factors Hindering the Implementation of Adult Education in Open and Distance Learning System in Mbeya, Tanzania

Abstract

The study assessed the factors hindering the implementation of adult education in Open and Distance Learning system in Mbeya, Tanzania whereby two research objective namely to examined the practice of adult education through online distance learning in Mbeya region and exploring issues that hinder the practice of adult education through online distance learning. Mixed research approach employed and has a sample size of 56 respondents where by 40 respondents were adult education learners. The study found that the practiced programme not well known among rural society, even local government officials did not knew about adult education, some thought AE is teaching adult reading and writing. Moreover, physical facilities were not satisfactory. Most learners and teachers not satisfied with the availability, relevance and adequacy of teaching and learning materials (textbooks, curriculum, other curriculum support materials, storybooks, technological facilities). The study concludes that the practice of adult education in Mbeya region had positive impact basing on its modes of operands and was among the strategies that revealed to motivate and enhances the programme to gain its popularities. It recommended that more training should offered to learning institution and they should cooperate with the Tanzania Commission for Universities and public universities in Tanzania and NACTVET to use the ODL system. Finally, it is essential that the government of Tanzania to support all institutions through giving the financial and non-financial support as well the qualified human resources including leaders who know the significant of ODL system in practicing the adult education in Tanzania.