Perceptions of Namibian College of Open Learning learners' self-regulated skills

This paper presents a case study of tutor and learner perceptions of Grade 10 Namibian College of Open Learning (NAMCOL) learners’ self-regulated learning (SRL) skills to achieve academic success. Zimmerman and Moylan’s (2009) model of SRL, grounded in social cognitive theory, formed the theoretical framework of the study. A qualitative research design, guided by a phenomenological case study in an interpretivist paradigm, was used to explore the perceptions of tutors and learners regarding the Grade 10 NAMCOL learners’ SRL skills to cope with the challenges of open distance learning (ODL). Three NAMCOL centres, six tutors and 15 learners were conveniently and purposively selected. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data. The findings reveal discrepancies between tutors’ and learners’ perceptions of Grade 10 NAMCOL learners’ SRL skills to cope with ODL and to achieve academic success. The findings underline the importance of academic support for ODL learners as well as the development of tutors’ knowledge and use of SRL teaching strategies to foster SRL learning,self-directed learning and academic success. Recommendations are offered to the Namibian Ministry of Education to improve infrastructure for ODL centres and to NAMCOL to adapt their curriculum design and tutor training. Further studies should be conducted to explore academic and institutional support for NAMCOL learners.