THE PRACTICE AND PROBLEMS OF DISTANCE EDUCATION PROVISION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN PRIVATE COLLEGES AT WOLAITA ZONE IN ETHIOPIA (Pages 10-20) by Mr. Endale Berhanu Demissie*, Mr. Deribe Debella Kebede** and Dr. Pechetty S V R Babu*** in THE INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST / ISSN: 2350-1499 (Online); 2350-0751 (Print)

The purpose of this study was to assess the practice and problems of distance education provision for primary school teachers in private colleges in Wolaita Zone. In order to achieve the objective of the study, descriptive survey method was employed. The study was conducted in two private colleges of Wolaita Zone. The private colleges in the Zone were selected by simple random sampling technique. The college students(distance learners) were selected by simple random sampling while distance education coordinators were selected by purposive sampling. The study included 4 coordinators and 60 distance education learners. Questionnaires, interview, observation and document analysis were used to collect data. The data gathered through the above instruments were analyzed using percentages and qualitative analysis. Based on the analysis the study depicted that lack of clear organizational structure, insufficient time for face-to-face tutorial program, delay in submission, correcting and returning back assignments and exam results, late delivery and shortage of course materials, lack of clarity in teaching materials(modules), insufficient library and laboratory services were found to be the major factors that impede the provision of distance education in private colleges of Wolaita Zone. Hence, it is recommended that the learners should have the opportunity to use library and laboratory services. To do this, colleges and distance education centers should work cooperatively. Moreover, part time tutors should correct and comment on submitted assignments and re dispatch marked assignments to the learners at the right time. Key words: Distance education, primary school, teacher, private college