The Problems of Writing Correspondence Lessons. DERG Papers Number 11

• Main Author: Riley, Judith
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: 01-08-1984
• Subjects: Anxiety; Case Studies; Correspondence Study; Courses; Distance Education; Emotional Response; Foreign Countries; Guides; Instructional Materials; Interviews; Material Development; Open University (Great Britain); Teamwork; Writing Processes

A review of current guides for and advice on preparing distance education materials suggests that such aids are inadequate to help solve the problems faced by course developers because of several underlying assumptions: (1) there is no need for advice on the preparation process--establishing an ideal of the desired product is enough; (2) good planning makes for easy writing and planning should be separated from actually writing the lesson; and (3) the "objectives first" approach is not only best for students' learning but is the best way for teachers to prepare lessons. Although this advice may be necessary, additional guidance may be needed on the practical difficulties of writing correspondence lessons and working in teams, as well as alternative systems of organizing the work. This report uses case studies of the individual course materials drafting process at the British Open University as a basis for suggesting alternative methods for course development that consider the process as one that is complex, individual, and emotional. It is suggested that advice on procedures for preparing distance education materials could utilize a problem-oriented approach that offers alternatives and emphasizes the positive role of individuals. (LMM)