EFFECTS OF SUPPLEMENTARY EXAMS ON MOTIVATIONAL LEVEL OF OPEN DISTANCE LEARNER (ODL)

Abstract

Motivation plays a fundamental role in teaching learning process. Motivation boosts the learners’ behavior for active learning to attain specific study goals. It facilitates students obtain information, knowledge, develop interpersonal skills, increase creativity, and develop a sense of discipline. This study aimed to investigate the effects of supplementary exams on motivational level of learners in Open Distance Learning (ODL) at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU). It was also attempted to identify different remedies to upraise the motivational level of distance learners. The population comprised of post graduate level students (who appeared in supplementary exams in Autumn 2012) of Faculty of Education. A random sample of 100students was taken. Questionnaire was developed and administered on the sample through survey. Questionnaire was validated through expert opinion (face validity). Data was analyzed in SPSS. Major findings of the study revealed that supplementary exams lower the motivational level of students for further learning. It was suggested that supplementary training/classes may be arranged for the learners who fail in exams in first attempt. Moreover, online tutorial support may also be arranged for such learners. To maximize the motivational level of learners, experts, psychologists, counselors, teachers, and parents may be consulted to lessen the effects of supplementary exams for the continuation and completion of learning process.