Lifelong Learning through Distance Education for Rural Schools in Malaysia
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Abstract
This paper investigates the role of distance education in encouraging lifelong learning among rural students on the West Coast of Sabah, Malaysia. Two national secondary schools, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Badin and SMK St. John in the Tuaran district, West Coast of Sabah, were chosen for this study. At the preliminary stage of the study, a total of 64 selected rural students were given questionnaires regarding their opinions on their science learning experiences. There were five questions pertaining to lifelong learning which were included in the questionnaires. Students were given teaching and learning modules on one of the Form 2 (year 8) science chapters. At the end of the study, these students were given the questionnaire as feedback forms pertaining to the researcher's teaching method. An analysis of the questionnaire revealed two salient findings : 84 percent of the respondents were interested in science, and 88 percent wanted to learn science in depth, other than using the text book. Meanwhile, a comparison between the students' pre- and post- written test marks showed an improvement over 40 percent, and this correlated with the majority who expressed great interest, through the questionnaires, in science-related activities. Based on the questionnaire feedback, 93 percent were inspired to pursue science courses in universities. This indicated that the students intended to make science-related subjects as their priority in earning a degree and thereby obtain science-based jobs after graduation.
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References
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