Study Groups At Universitas Terbuka: Peer Interaction Of Distance Education Students

Broto, Mani Festati (1987) Study Groups At Universitas Terbuka: Peer Interaction Of Distance Education Students. Masters thesis, Simon Fraser University.

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Abstract

From its inception, the Open University of Indonesia (UT) has encouraged and motivated students in learning together in groups. UT hopes that study groups will emphasize active interaction and establish good communication among students. The purpose of this study was to investigate the behaviours of distance education students studying in a group. The primary aims of this investigation were to identify student activities in a study group, to describe student interactions among peers, and to assess the cooperative learning taking place within the group. The data in this study were obtained during 20 weeks of observation during the period, January to August 1987. I became a participating observer in a study group, MELAWAI, which met two or three times a week. I recorded all activities and group interaction. I also collected information from ten students in August, 1987 using a structured interview. This study tries to identify patterns of behavior students learning in a group. Results indicate that learning together motivates and encourages the learners' process of learning in a distance system. Furthermore, learning together requires them to discuss, describe, and reflect on their skill in order to improve their learning performance. The group agreed that their learning activities not only assisted them in sharing information, materials and ideas but also helped them to master difficult subject-matter. In addition, a group goal became one of achieving individual goals. This study provides a fresh insight into activities occurring in a study group. Students engaged in study groups were seeking external assistance, and they need continous guidance. It suggests that study groups are necessary and valuable in a distance education system. UT's arrangement of suggesting qualified tutors for study groups is acceptable both by the students and by the institution. Thus the integration or combination of tutorial sessions and study groups is an alternative solution for supporting students' learning process.

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