Completion Rates At The Open Universities In Developing Countries

This book is about the study on factors affecting completion rates in the Open Universities in the developing countries. It uses Open University of Tanzania (OUT) as a case. It presents the completion rates in the Open Universities for the developing countries which have been low, particular at (OUT), which records completion rate of 23%, comparing to the University of South Africa, recording 54% by 2006. It uses the Tinto Model to guide the inquiry.The mixed method design was used to generate data. It presents the findings about the students who failed to complete their studies in the said countries particularly at (OUT). The problems found were shortage of study materials, students' low commitment in studies, financial difficulties, and supervision delays for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The book further, presents the findings indicating that the students could be helped to complete their studies if they were using the Open Educational Resources (OERs). The strategies that could be used by the Open Universities to facilitate completion on time were, the use of peer coaching, e-counseling, face to face with tutorials and on demand examinations.