Suggestions to Increase the Prospects of Science Education through ODL in Bangladesh Open University: Learners’ Perspective

Abstract

Technologically developed countries reach peaks due to the enormous development in
the science education all over the world. Without the help of science education
sustainable national growth is not possible while this education makes huge opportunities
in various sectors. As a developing country, Bangladesh has to pay more attention in
science education to create more technical hands for future sustainable development.
Therefore, this study aims to identify the way to increase the prospects of science
education through open and distance learning (ODL) mode in Bangladesh by focusing the
suggestions from learners of Bangladesh Open University. To conduct this study both
qualitative and quantitative methods have been used while 240 surveys have been
conducted for quantitative data as well as 12 FGDs and 12 KIIs have been conducted for
qualitative data. The results of the study shows that the learners have mentioned science
education is needed for career development, developing human resources, enhancing
technical knowledge and reducing unemployment as the forward issues of science
education through ODL. They have also added that the current prospects of science
education through ODL may increase by paying attention to provide sufficient lab and
instrumental facility, make easier the harder subject matter and language of the study
materials, reduce the volume of the Self Learning Material (SLM) and add more practical
exercise in the SLMs, monitoring the tutorial classes regularly etc. Thus, this study
recommends mobile phone based ODL education for science learners of Bangladesh
Open University by giving special attention to policy.