CAUSES OF LOW STUDENT ENROLMENT AT THE ZIMBABWE OPEN UNIVERSITY’S HARARE-CHITUNGWIZA REGION FOR THE PERIOD 2008-2013

Abstract

The focus on Open and Distance Learning (ODL) has given people an alternative to acquiringand developing skills in areas of their choice especially those related to their jobs. While itsintroduction was met with different responses, it could be noted that in some cases ODL hasbeen viewed with scepticism and in others it has been received with excitement and hope.Such euphoria and hope has in some instances contributed to an increase in enrolment inhigher institutions of higher learning that offer the ODL model. However, these highenrolments have not been sustained in the case of the Zimbabwe Open University, Harare-Chitungwiza Region. There has been a decline in enrolments over the past five years.This study sought to identify the causes of low student enrolment at the Zimbabwe OpenUniversity’s (ZOU) Harare- Chitungwiza Region was conducted. The study used thequalitative research methodology, guided by the grounded theory paradigm as it sought toanswer the questions about ‘why’. Data were collected through open-ended questionnaires,interviews, participant observation and through the social medium. The data were collectedfrom current students, inactive students and alumni. Data were analysed through opencoding and axial coding. The study concluded that there was a causal relationship betweenstudent enrolments at the Zimbabwe Open University’s Harare-Chitungwiza Region and anumber of causal factors and conditions. The main causal factors were knowledge aboutZOU and the Region, the ODL mode of delivery, the ZOU image, policy changes on paymentof fees and negative media reports about ZOU. The study recommends strategies that wouldhelp improve the ZOU image.