Why implementing Outcome Based Education is the call of the hour?
‘’Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world’’ – Nelson Mandela
The traditional education system singularly focuses on what the teachers teach within the classroom; most of the methods are teacher-centric, which does not help to understand the students’ needs. Hence, it does not come as a surprise to see that institutes have been looking for new approaches and implementing them in the past few years.
Moreover, companies and corporate organizations are looking for individuals who are skilled and capable of handling the ever-changing demands of the industry. Therefore, the education process needs to be thorough with the aim of imparting relevant knowledge. That is why higher education institutes have been integrating outcome based education in their teaching-learning methodologies.
Written below are some of the principal reasons why outcome-based education is the need of the hour:
Student-centric approach
As mentioned previously, the traditional education system is one-dimensional and emphasises following the same curriculum passed down from the previous to the new generation. On the other hand, OBE necessitates the planning and designing of the curriculum according to the students’ and industry needs. As a result, the teachers are able to use tools and strategies that help improve the student learning process and cognitive development.
Furthermore, apart from teaching the fundamentals of core subjects, they also teach them how to use the knowledge in a practical situation. Teachers can determine the strengths and weaknesses of the students through the approach. After which, they make personalised learning plans to help them overcome the major difficulties they usually face.
Increased engagement
A common complaint of teachers and parents is that some students fail to pay attention during the class; a majority of the time, students are on the receiving end of the criticism. However, students’ unwillingness to focus during the ongoing class is a primary factor; a different aspect of the prevalent issue is equally worth noting. For example, as per the traditional teaching practices, the teacher focuses on explaining the topics in detail and then assigns homework.
This process is monotonous and repetitive and fails to capture the students’ interest, leading them not to put much effort into their studies. However, if the teacher uses different activities, including gamification in learning, impromptu quizzes, group discussions, etc., it will encourage them to participate in their education.
Hence, it will become a more active learning process, as the students will focus on gaining more knowledge and exercise it during the class.
A sense of clarity
One of the best advantages of the approach is that teachers will have a sense of clarity regarding what the students must achieve at the end of a program. Similarly, the students would also get an inkling of what they need to learn to accomplish a set of pre-determined goals. Also, the teaching faculty decides the specific outcomes in sync with the curriculum, which is helpful in the teaching and learning process.
Furthermore, there is no restriction to following one particular methodology; teachers can implement any innovative strategy like Bloom’s taxonomy.
Skills enhancement
What does the traditional educational system focus on?
The main aim of the traditional educational system is to enable students to complete their syllabus/ curriculum by the term’s end. Due to this, teachers may or not rush their teaching process, causing some students to lag. The outcome-based approach focuses on guiding students by providing foundational knowledge. Also, students have the freedom to decide their learning pace.
Hence, if they do not understand a particular chapter, the teachers instruct them accordingly, which helps them master the concepts or lessons. Simultaneously, with the help of several exercises, tasks and assignments, the teachers also focus on skill enhancement. For example, while working on group projects, students can polish their social and communication skills and develop their personalities.
Better assessment system
The teachers carry out assessments at different levels throughout the term’s duration; it allows them to gauge the students’ level of understanding. Also, a better assessment system enables students to determine their progress and identify their problem areas.
In conclusion
OBE is the need of the hour for multiple reasons, mostly related to the overall development of the students. In fact, the approach does not just confine them to elevate their academic performance; it also inculcates them with relevant skills necessary for the future.
