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.