Abstract:
This survey examined the management of Community Based Education (CBE) field
activities at Jimma University (JU). The study used both quantitative and qualitative
data. Quantitative data were collected from students and academic staff through
structured questionnaire. Qualitative data were gathered from top university officials:
deans and college/institute CBE coordinators via in-depth interviews. Quantitative
data were analyzed into frequencies and percentages, while qualitative data were
analyzed qualitatively and interpreted based on themes. The results showed that the
management of CBE field activities was surrounded by setbacks, such as lack of
awareness and commitment from some instructors, wrong perception and little
commitment of some students, staff concerns about the adequacy of CBE workload,
overlapping schedules and low payment for CBE supervision, shortage of budget and
logistics, community fatigue, duplication of activities, reluctance of some officials
(college deans, CBE coordinators and top authorities) and lack of participatory
approach in supervisor assignment. Therefore, it can be concluded that the
management of CBE field activities needs improving. Uniform workload and schedule
across colleges/institutes and programs for identical CBE courses, regular staff
induction with emphasis on CBE issues, and adequate orientations to students are
necessary. Participatory approach in supervisor assignment and maximizing the
commitment of all CBE actors are also recommended.
