Challenges Confronting Study Centre Administrators of the Distance Education Programme of the University of Education, Winneba

Abstract

The study was conducted at 36 Study Centres of the Institute for Educational Development and Extension of the University Education, Winneba, involving a population of coordinators, administrators and students. The researchers investigated challenges facing study centre administrators; the extent to which these challenges affected them and the types of relationships existed between the challenges and administrators’ performance. Five research questions and a hypothesis guided the study. A triangulation/concurrent mixed-method design was adopted by the researchers and 421 respondents participated. Questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide were used to elicit data. Descriptive statistics (percentage, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (correlations) were used to analyse the quantitative data, while thematic approach was used to analyse the qualitative data. Key findings of the study revealed that although the administrators were highly equipped for respective administrative roles, however, they encounted several challenges including ineffective communication, difficulties in getting accommodation, and insufficient supply of materials and office equipment. It was also revealed that administrators’ performance was negatively affected by these challenges. There was a strong and statistically significant relationship between the challenges and administrators’ performance. The study concluded that unless these challenges such as ineffective communication among stakeholders and delay in supply of materials are dealt with, study centres administrators will be at a low ebb. Based on these conclusions/findings, it was recommended that the issue regarding the inadequate supply of materials and equipment should be addressed by the Institute for Educational Development and Extension taking in consideration the specific needs of each study centre.