Support services available to part-time students in Accra, Ghana: Implications for distance education

Abstract

Students at every stage of their learning need props to help them achieve their learning goals. Part-time students are no exception. Support services are essential for part-time adult students since they often have to combine their learning with work, maintenance of a home and social activities. This study looks at support services available to students at the family, work and institutional levels; likewise peer support, financial support and support from friends. Using descriptive statistics and narrative analytical methods, the study found that there was inadequate support for part-time students at the family, employment and institutional levels. Generally, part-time students are self directed learners but need a few props to enhance learning. Findings of this study also reveal implications for distance learning.

Keywords: support services, part-time students, adult learners, distance learning