Exploring Teacher Learning Experiences in one Open University in South Africa: a Training Framework

Abstract: This paper explores how academics in one South African Open University, experience learning in order to hasten the impact of their innovative teaching and student learning. It also aims at the formulation of a training framework to guide teacher learning. A qualitative phenomenological research design as advocated by Giorgi and Giorgi (2009) was adopted for this study. The research questions posed were: How do academics experience academic development and which teacher learning framework could be used to enhance academic development for ODL teachers to teach innovatively? The study found that the university introduced an academic training programme to the participants (orientation).The orientation prepared them for practical training (learning). Through learning, they were empowered with skills and competencies (skills acquisition) that enabled them to work (performance) as online teachers. The participants further noted that for a training programme to be successful, it must be long in duration, evaluated and have the support of University management. All the participants learning experiences and concerns were synthesised into a training framework. It was recommended that academic development programmes run for longer durations and should be supported by institutional leadership. An evaluation mechanism should be introduced and adhered to, to ensure achievement of all objectives in every training phase.Keywords: Academic development, Open University, training frame work, Innovative teaching