Emerging paradigm of management and training in open university in Pakistan

Περίληψη

Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) is a unique institution in Pakistan because of its philosophy, system, approach, functions and overall structure. AIOU is a Distance Education institution, which provides multi disciplinary education from basic to doctoral level programs. The university employs non-formal method of correspondence, radio and television broadcasts, special textbooks and reading materials prepared on self-learning basis, part-time teachers (tutors) engaged nearest to the student's residences.

This paper has outlined a training model for tutors in terms of job competencies and training needs in distance learning. A questionnaire was administered to 50 tutors of Rawalpindi district. The tutors were of M.ED/M.A education program semester spring 2007, Allama Iqbal Open University Pakistan. The collected data was analyzed statistically. Findings showed that the respondents agreed that tutors need training in developing unit objectives, selecting students’ activities and understanding self-assessment questions. They also need training in coordinating with regional office, counseling and motivating the students, marking and monitoring of assignments, preparing results and use of A.V aids. Data indicated that training of tutors in these areas would lead them to competency in academic skills, professional skills, orientation with distance learning and knowledge of psychology. According to the responses, the training in the proposed model would alsos result in knowing evaluation techniques, educational effective social skills and students’ promotion.

It was recommended that training for AIOU tutors should be arranged according to the ‘Inputs’ of the Training Model. The training managers should be aware of the job competencies according to the ‘Outputs’ of the Training Model.