Opening Doors for Learners: Barriers and Challenges at the Open University of Sri Lanka

Research was conducted in order to identify psychological, personal, and
institutional barriers that may hinder academic achievement and lead to
non-completion at the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL). Methods
included exploratory interviews with 67 learners and staff, and the
development and implementation of the Learner Support Questionnaire,
which was administered to 227 learners. Findings indicate that many
OUSL learners have an inadequate understanding of Open and Distance
Learning, a limited repertoire of study strategies, insufficient
metacognitive skills, and are overly dependent on teacher-centred
pedagogies. Learners, particularly less experienced learners, may
overestimate their academic abilities. Other barriers to success including
personal and institutional factors are discussed.

DOI: 10.4038/ouslj.v5i0.2140

OUSL Journal Vol.5 2009 2-21