Web-based Andragogy in Open University : Enhancing the Meaningful Learning Process of Research Skills

Abstract

The research examines adult students studying on a web-based qualitative research methodology course in the Finnish open university context. The research questions concern adult student experiences of supportiveness of the learning environment, their studying orientations, and their relationship to andragogical assumptions of self-direction and collaboration. The research material consists of 47 learning diaries and was analysed by using abductive content analysis. The course script, initial stage orientation, teacher’s meta speech and sensitive supervision were experienced supportive for studying and learning. Three different studying orientations were summarised: the effectiveness orientation, the managing orientation and the learning orientation. The research makes visible connections of micro and macro levels of the open university web-based studying at an intersection of the market, equality policy and academic expert culture. The results also implicate that self-directness and collaboration can be supported by sensitive andragogical supervision relying on adult students’ responsibility and freedom