Lecturers’ and students’ perceptions of the role and value of the residential school at the University of Zambia

Abstract

The residential school, held once a year, usually for two weeks, is an integral and compulsory component of distance education at the University of Zambia. It is, however, expensive for students and can discourage prospective students from applying for distance learning courses. This notwithstanding, residential schools have advantages. This article summarizes the findings of a study in a Zambian setting in which both lecturers and students felt that the residential schools have important educational benefits, such as, enabling lecturers to discuss difficult issues with and providing direct academic guidance to students. The paper does not discuss, in depth, why difficult issues arise, nor does it argue that direct academic guidance is essential. The arguments against residential schools perhaps need to be pursued more vigorously, such as, the barrier to entry for those unable to attend.