Appendix D

 The Student Questionnaire 

• Are you satisfied with the distance education course you are enrolled in?

• What course are you doing? 

• What is the level of the course? (certificate, diploma, first degree)

• In what year of study are you?

• Where are you doing the course? 

• Name of institution (optional)   

 

Questions about the course materials

 

• Does each section of the course materials state the learning objectives (say what you should be able to do as a result of working through it)?

• Are the materials attractive to look at and handle?  

• Is the language clear and ‘user friendly’?  

• Describe any difficulties you may have had in using the materials            and finding your way around them.  

• Do the materials contain frequent exercises or questions that get you       to use the ideas you are learning about?  

• Do they provide immediate comment or sample answers as                      ‘feedback’ on such exercises?  

• Do you find that you are learning useful and interesting things from the     materials?  Please explain.  

• Do you have to write assignments as part of your course?  

• Are these assignments assessed by a tutor whom you know or by         lecturers at a central campus?  

• Describe what you expect from good course materials.  

 

Questions to ask about learner support

 

• What additional support do you get from the institution other than that provided in the course materials?  

• What do you think is the minimum support necessary for you to complete your course satisfactorily?  Explain.  

• What additional support (above the minimum) would you like?  

• Do you get your assignments back quickly enough to be able to learn from your mistakes?  

• Are the comments on assignments helpful (showing good points, weaknesses and what you can do to improve)?  

• Does your tutor keep in regular contact with you?  

• Do you find it easy to contact your tutor?  

• Do your tutors know enough about the subject and the materials to really help you with your problems?  

• Is there someone you can contact in case of sudden difficulties you can’t sort out for yourself?  

• Are there opportunities for working with other learners doing the same course?  

Questions to ask about administrative systems

 

•  Is adequate information provided before the course starts so that you know what the course will demand of you in terms of:  

• previous knowledge and abilities,  

• study time

• use of media and equipments

• study skills

• travel

• tutorial sessions

• forms of assessment

 

• Does the institution keep to the procedures and regulations it set out at the beginning of the course, or do the procedures and regulations keep on changing?  

• What are the arrangements for paying fees? (e.g.  do you have to pay the full fee at the beginning or do are you allowed to pay in instalments?)

• Are you satisfied with these arrangements?  

• How do you receive your study materials?  

• Do you receive the materials on time?  

• Do you receive the materials in good condition?

• Do you receive clear and timely notice of essential dates (e.g. for assignment submission, examinations, contact sessions, visits from tutors)?  

• Are your assignments (and examinations) looked after properly and the results accurately recorded?  

• If you have a complaint, is there a way of registering your complaint and getting an effective response?  

• Are you happy with the administration of the distance education course you are doing?  Why?/Why not?