ODL Tutors’ Experiences in Curriculum Implementation in Search of Quality

Abstract

Open and distance learning (ODL) tutors have varied backgrounds, expertise and experiences regarding curriculum implementation. Also ODL tutors are usually not housed at one place, but they are scattered country wide and beyond. In regard to the search of quality, ODL tutors are expected to operate on the same wavelength. The study deliberately sought to unravel the degree to which ODL tutors’ experiences in curriculum implementation could pursue quality. The purposively sampled research participants provided data by responding to an open ended questionnaire. Eighteen Regional Programme Co-coordinators (RPCs) from Zimbabwe Open University’s two regions of Mashonaland West and Mashonaland East constituted the study sample. The data gathered were sorted and coded thematically to pave way for interpretation. From the findings it was concluded that tutors’ different backgrounds, expertise and experiences have bearing on curriculum implementation. The study’s findings also led to the conclusion that staff development programmes contribute to the enhancement of effective curriculum implementation. The study’s major recommendation is that when recruiting tutors, the tutor’s background should be relevant to issues of quality curriculum implementation in ODL. The study also recommended that staff development should be seen as playing a critical role in enhancing effective curriculum implementation in ODL.