RURAL RADIO EDUCATION

Final evaluation covers the period 10/78-12/79 and is based on project staff work sessions and an outside evaluation. Despite initial delays in input delivery, most project objectives were met successfully. MOE prepared instructional tapes that were broadcast by one government and two private radio stations for one hour a day for 180 days for each of two program levels (third/fourth grade and fifth/sixth grade levels) -- a total of 1,080 radio programs. MOE also produced all back-up materials (including over 10,000 workbooks). To develop an evaluation system, MOE continually tested students, revised project materials, and conducted monthly staff meetings and quarterly and annual reviews. Participating students who attended incomplete schools numbered 700 in 1978; 1,500 in 1979; and over 1,800 in 1980. However, the percentage of students who passed their final examinations declined from 74% (1978) to 54% (1979) -- possibly due to a decline in materials quality, the recruitment of unprepared students, program expansion, or the monitors" loss of enthusiasm. The cause of this decline must be determined prior to further expansion. (Such expansion, however, depends on a clear MOE commitment -- which is lacking.) The limited effectiveness of 70 established learning centers was due either to the students" possession of better radios, inducing them to stay at home, or the slight supervision by and limited instructional role of the monitors. An assessment of the most effective means of using the latter is advised. Despite its successes, the project failed to achieve its goals of increasing access to primary education and the number of primary school graduates. Due to the practical nature of the instruction provided, participants must take a 1-2 month complementary course prior to admission to a secondary school. A proposed follow-on project has been cancelled due to lack of funds. The project taught the need to design the project paper jointly with the host country counterpart.