Feedback Measures as a Strategy for Student Support in Open Distance Learning: Can it Come to the Aid of Weary Student Teachers?

Abstract

One important means of ensuring the effectiveness of teaching in an ODL setting and even in face-to-face platform is through the provision of meaningful feedback comments from all parties involved. This paper sets out to examine feedback measures as a form of student support strategies in Open Distance Learning (ODL) for student teachers. The paper draws on experiences in upgrading the qualifications of primary school teachers involved in the National Professional Diploma in Education (NPDE) programme at the University of South Africa (UNISA). A qualitative approach and purposive sampling were adopted. Based on the data collected, it was concluded that feedback strategies are crucial in an ODL environment and therefore, have to be planned with the utmost care they deserve.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n14p705