Abstract
This study explores the perceptions of postgraduate students in open distance e-learning (ODeL) institutions in what constitutes effective supervision practice in their postgraduate studies. This study adopted a qualitative research approach, 10 postgraduate students busy with their master’s degree in ODeL environment were sampled through purposive sampling. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview. The collected data were analysed through thematic analysis. The objective of this study is to identify the factors that postgraduate students perceive as crucial for effective supervision practice in their postgraduate studies in Open Distance e-learning. The findings reveal that effective supervision practices in Open Distance e-Learning encompass a variety of elements. One crucial aspect is the supervisor’s ability to provide postgraduate students with constructive feedback rather than being harsh. This study recommends that supervisors should conduct regularly scheduled online meetings with their students, as this practice can significantly improve the effectiveness of supervision in ODeL. Additionally, the study emphasises the importance of providing training for supervisors in humanising pedagogy specifically tailored for OdeL contexts. This training aims to equip supervisors with the necessary adaptability skills to effectively engage with students from diverse cultural backgrounds and values. Furthermore, it emphasises the importance of teaching supervisors to respect students irrespective of their educational background, beliefs, and cultural differences.
Presenters
Thulani ChaukeSenior Lecturer, Adult Community and Continuling Education, 4360102869, Limpopo, South Africa
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS, PERCEPTIONS, EFFECTICE SUPERVISION, OPEN-DISTANCE E-LEARNING, STUDENTS
