SAIDI School of OD`s open learning using the modular approach advocates this philosophy: that at the master`s and doctoral levels, more than at any other level, learners differ according to innate ability, rate, interest, achievement, experience and motivation.

The open learning philosophy using the modular approach is implemented by the Institute in an effort to answer individual needs and requirements at the higher level of education.

The Institute makes use of a type of module called "research" module. Its structure is based on certain assumptions. At the higher level, learners:

• progress at their own rate in their own learning style
• can identify their strengths and weaknesses
• may recycle, when objectives have not been met
• should be allowed flexibility in terms of instructional and learning style

Each module is a complete course in itself. The process is mainly acquisitional, experiential, exploratory and application. Through individual conferences with the module mentor and suggestions of appropriate readings, the learner acquires content knowledge, discusses opinions and reinforces his/her understanding of the subject matter.

The learner is expected in his/her own field of interest or in his/her job to apply the concepts learned, to evaluate this experience and to report the results. He/She is also invited to a deliberate and organized search for information.

This is where he/she meets the challenge to generate new ideas and to formulate, design and test his/her own models.

The module mentor is concerned with the individual`s ability to perform up to a given criterion level of performance the learner must attain in order to receive the grade of "Completed".