Factors Affecting on Learner Unsuccessfulness in Master of Education Programme Through Distance Education Mode

The paper is based on a research study conducted to know the enrolment trends, absenteeism, pass percentage and causes of unsuccessfulness of learners in the M.Ed programme of the Directorate of Distance Education, University of Jammu. Master of Education (M.Ed.) programme is one of the professional programmes offered by the Directorate. The enrolment of female learners exceeds the male learners in the programme. In recent years the percentage of absenteeism in examination has gone up to 25%. Furthermore, the absenteeism among females is more than males. The overall pass percentage of learners has declined considerably in recent years but success rate of female learners is more than that of male learners. Though in Focus Group Discussion, the resource persons of the programme and learners have perceived many factors responsible for unsuccessfulness in examination, but factors like stretching of the duration of the programme, no fixed schedule of commencement of examination, absence of timely information about examination schedule, non-availability of previous years’ examination question papers, insufficient study material, less gap between examination of different courses etc have been rated the most important by the learners. Despite high unsuccessfulness rate, the programme is much in demand. Timely completion of the components of the programme, preparation and implementation of academic schedule, pre-enrolment guidance, improved information, administrative and academic support services to learners are suggested to reduce absenteeism and unsuccessfulness in examination.