Philippine E-Journals

Exploring epistemological beliefs and learning approaches among distance education students of the National Open University of Nigeria

Jolly Okoza | Oyaziwo Aluede

 

Abstract:

The focus of this research was an investigation into epistemological beliefs and learning approaches in the context of distance education students. The researchers adopted a qualitative approach to gather data. A total number of 22 students drawn from National Open University of Nigeria, Benin City study Centre, participated in the study. The research found that students’ epistemological beliefs based on knowledge are acquired through effort and fixed by authority figures or experts, knowledge is changing and evolving and they also use both surface and deep approaches in learning their course materials. It is therefore recommended that students should be encouraged in using deep approach and minimal use of surface approach and development of epistemic metacognition.