Η σπουδάστρια στο ΕΑΠ. Εμπόδια στη φοίτηση και η αντιμετώπισή τους

Abstract

Flexibility and educational autonomy of learners make Open and Distance Education (ODE) particularly friendly to adult women, who have to cope with multiple and often conflicting roles within the stereotypical and patriarchal social structures. However, the philosophy and methodology of ODE cannot negate and must not ignore the gender differences reflected in education. This research examined the obstacles to attendance and how these were dealt with by female post-graduate students of the Hellenic Open University (HOU) who had completed undergraduate studies at the same institution. The survey was conducted by semi-structured interviews in the first trimester of 2012 and the sample consisted of 17 students. The results showed that the main obstacles resulted from the women’s social identities, the expectations of others and themselves, their educational characteristics and the operation of the HOU. However, the support offered to the women, their courage and the measures they took in order to combine educational obligations with ademanding daily routine, have been of crucial importance in overcoming these obstacles. In conclusion, the «voice» of the women showed the dynamic of gender, as well as the need to raise awareness within the HOU in order to support its female students and increase its social contribution.