Özet:
The researcher conducted present study with the objectives to a). evaluate attitude
of learners towards academic and tutoring skills of distance education tutors, b).
assess the opinion of distance learners about assessment and evaluation skills of
their tutors and c). examine reflection of learners on scaffolding skills of distance
education tutors. The population of the study consisted of learners of pre-service
teacher education (B.Ed semester spring 2010) programme of Allama Iqbal Open
University Islamabad. The sample of the study was taken through the convenient
sampling technique from three regions of Allama Iqbal Open University situated
in the Punjab Province. A questionnaire was designed using a five-point
(rating/Likert) scale to elicit the reflection of (600) learners. However, the
response rate was 78% (468) of the total sample. Interview schedule was also used
as a research tool for collecting qualitative data from (50) respondents in five
groups. The researcher analysed data quantitatively and qualitatively. The study
concluded that the overall reflection of distance learners on andragogical skills of
their tutors was positive. Apparently they were satisfied with andragogical skills
of their tutors. They asserted that their tutors had academic and tutoring skills
(consisting of encouraging, guiding & facilitating –emboldening and enabling
skills), assessment & evaluation skills, and technical and social skills. However,
tutors needed training to use social websites, Skype and mobile phone conferences
and online discussion. Keeping in view the conclusion of the study, the researcher
recommended short and long term training of tutors to use information and
communication technologies appropriately.
