Reimagining ODL Instructional Approaches in Preparing Open Secondary School Students in Malawi for Evolving Global Market

ABSTRACT This paper investigated the effectiveness of Open distance and e-learning (ODeL)instruction in Malawi’s Open Secondary School (OSS). Employing Technology, Pedagogyand Content Knowledge framework and concurrent mixed methods, the study sampled sixOSS, involving 6 head teachers, 6 ODeL coordinators and 24 teachers. Differentiatedinstruction is credited for enhancing student’s motivation, performance, and self-efficacy.However, findings indicated over-reliance of teacher-centered methods.Eighty-six percentof coordinators and 72% of teachers attached this to overcrowded classes and limitedcontact time.The study underscored the necessity to integrate technology into differentiatedinstructions to address these constraints. In response to the challenges, Competence andMaterial in Differentiated Instruction framework was developed to advance use oftechnology in differentiated instruction. It is envisaged that the developed instructionalframework would revolutionize the existing OSS instructional practices in open schools.This initiative aligns withRegional ODL Strategic Plan 2022–2030 and Malawi Vision2063,promoting inclusive, self-reliant national development through effective educationreform. KEYWORDS Effectiveness, OSS, TPACK model, differentiated instruction, COMADI framework PDF LINK: https://ijcionline.com/paper/14/14525ijci04.pdf VOLUME LINK: https://airccse.org/journal/ijci/Current2025.html MORE DETAILS: https://ijcionline.com/paper/14/14525ijci02.pdf