The Effects of Block Release Programmes on Zimbabwe Open University Student Enrollment in Mashonaland East between 2009 and 2013

Student retention has become a major cause of concern in Open and Distance Learning institutions. The proliferation of partial distance learning programmes, the so called block release or visiting educational programmes by conventional universities has had a negative effect on many Open and Distance learning institutions in terms of student enrolment. Open and Distance learning institutions niche of working student population has been invaded by conventional universities, thereby increasing competition for students. Many conventional universities are now offering dual mode of education –the conventional and distance. For Open and Distance learning institutions to remain afloat in terms of student retention and attraction, innovative and effective means of attracting and retaining students have to be found or else many of them will close shop. The population of this descriptive survey study consisted of all the inactive students, who were selected using a stratified random sampling method. The data collection tools employed were questionnaires and interviews. The study unearthed that many students prefer lecturing method to tutoring which is done in most Open and Distance learning institutions. Another point raised by the participants was that they find it difficult to plan and implement an effective study programme; hence their chances of failing in Open and Distance learning programmes are higher than when they are engaged in block release programmes. The other major point which came out of the study was that indeed block release programmes had a negative effect on the student enrolment of Open and Distance learning institutions. The study recommended that Open and Distance learning institutions should increase more contact hours with students and should adopt lecturing method and drop the tutoring method which is unpopular. Orientation programmes involving study skills and time management should be carried out from time to time with students engaged in open and distance learning.