| dc.description.abstract | The study sought to investigate factors influencing the completion of Bachelor of
Education (B.ED) degree distance education. The study had four objectives which were
to: establish the extent to which cost-benefit of distance learning influence completion of
B.Ed degree by distance education; determine the extent to which time management
influences completion of B.Ed degree by distance education; establish the extent to which
self-motivation influence completion of B.Ed degree by distance education; establish the
extent to which external distraction influence completion of B.Ed degree by distance
education. To achieve the objectives the study used a survey design where a
questionnaire was used to collect data. The population of the study was the 100 Kenyatta
University students enrolled for bachelor of education degree programme and teaching in
primary schools in Nyeri municipality between 2007 and 2009. A census of all 100
teachers was through snowballing. The data collected was analysed using SPSS to
generate frequency table, mean and percentage. A Pearson’s correlation coefficient was
computed to establish the relationship between the independent variable and dependent
variable. The finding of the study included: Majority of the teachers have deferred the
degree programs. Cost-benefit considerations were the most important factor influencing
completion of the B.Ed degree program by distance education. Time management self
motivation and external distraction were also found to influence completion of the B.Ed
program by distance education but not as important as cost-benefit considerations. The
cost of reading materials, module, travelling and accommodation accounted for the bulk
of the cost of the B.Ed by distance learning. The study concludes that cost-benefit
consideration, time management, self-motivation and external distraction are important
factors that influence the completion of B.Ed degree through distance education. The
cost-benefits are especially critical in ensuring the students complete their study on time.
Self-motivation as a factor influencing completion was found to be into two folds, on one
hand the universities have not provided enough support and time for completion of the
program. On the other hand the students are not allocating enough time to read as
required. The study recommends the government to establish a special fund to help
student finance distance education, Teachers service commission to synchronize distance
education schedule with school calendar. Further research can be done on factors
affecting completion in other locations and for other courses for purpose of comparison. | en_US |
