outcome-based learning

Outcome-based learning is one of the most common methods of teaching. So, in this article, we will shed light on what it is and how it is being incorporated. 

In a modern society, which continues to progress, education is important. It is a powerful tool that helps us adapt to the changes around us. It is also one of the factors that facilitate our growth and development. In addition, education is an essential tool in fighting various inequalities in our society.

There are different approaches to education or teaching. These approaches or methods differ in teaching style but all aim to provide high-quality education. One of the most used is outcome-based learning.

Below, we will talk about outcome-based learning, its benefits, and how to implement it.

Outcome-Based Learning

This type of teaching method focuses on the goal that has to be achieved by the end of the education journey. It is the act of organizing and creating a learning process that will lead students into achieving one goal or outcome. This clear goal, purpose, or outcome is laid out or given to the students at the beginning of the learning process.

These are the two important factors to outcome-based learning:

  • Creating a clear and organized set of outcomes that will be used as the center of all activities or programs.
  • Determining the conditions and opportunities in the system that will allow and encourage pupils to reach the outcomes.

Defining Outcomes

In outcome-based learning, outcomes are the results of what the students have learned. These results are composed of the things that educators want them to demonstrate at the end of the period.

The results in outcomes-based learning are not values, attitudes, or beliefs. These outcomes should be new skills that children can do with the help of what they have learned. In short, these outcomes are tangible applications of the things discussed in the learning journey.

Benefits of Outcome-Based Learning

Clear Goals

As we have discussed above, outcome-based learning has a clear set of goals or results. At the beginning of the school period, both teachers and students must know what is expected from them.

Students will more likely be able to adjust if they know what to expect. In the same manner, teachers will be able to formulate effective and efficient lesson plans that help achieve the end goal. 

In outcome-based learning, programs, activities, and tasks for the whole school period would revolve around achieving the clear set of outcomes.

There is a Room for Mistakes

In the traditional method, mistakes or errors along the way will usually make a dent in the child’s progression. These mistakes will make a permanent impact at the end of the learning process.

However, outcome-based learning acknowledges that mistakes are part of the learning journey. Outcome-based learning is more focused on the quality of the outcomes rather than the mistakes made along the way.

This type of approach to the learning process is highly beneficial as it helps preserve a child’s confidence and remove their fear of failure. 

Flexible Methods

Another advantage of outcome-based learning is flexibility. This advantage is true for both educators and students. For the teachers, teaching methods are flexible as long as outcomes are achieved.

Outcome-based learning recognizes that they may be different ways to impart new knowledge. As every student is different, effective ways of learning may vary.

Outcome-based learning provides various ways for a task to be completed. Students will not be limited to the traditional methods of learning.

How to Incorporate an Outcome-Based Framework

Assess Your Curriculum Needs

The first step is to evaluate the current data. This includes identifying the current school standards and activities done. Knowing what you are currently implementing will help you incorporate improvements brought about by outcome-based learning.

This will help you in decision-making and devising new strategies that will work. This way, methods, and activities are tailored to provide improvements.

Determine Desired Outcomes

The next step in incorporating outcome-based learning is to determine the outcomes. Once you have figured out the needs of your stakeholders, you can design the appropriate outcomes needed. 

In determining the outcomes, consider the things or skills you want the students to achieve. There will be short-term and long-term goals that must be laid out. Short-term goals should be achieved to reach the bigger or long-term goals. 

Collaborate

Collaboration or smooth and proper communication among all stakeholders is important in outcome-based learning. Stakeholders are identified as the teachers, school staff, parents or guardians, and the students.

Being able to communicate to all participants of the learning process can help increase the effectiveness of the approach. This way, teachers can also devise interventions and solutions to ensure that outcomes will be met by the end of the period.

Collaboration can be made easier by different communication tools available to all school stakeholders. For example, tools like GoSchooler allows all stakeholders to meet online and share documents that may be necessary for planning.

Correlating Outcomes with Subsets

The outcomes will not be achieved if not for the micro activities or subsets. Subsets are the group of tasks that aim to fulfill the end outcomes. In outcome-based learning, the subsets should be correlated to the end goal.

For example, if one of the desired outcomes is for the students to learn about environmental conservation, then subsets should lead to that. One example can be activities such as attending seminars related to environmental conservation.

Feedback and Evaluation

Lastly, effective outcome-based learning requires constant and continuous feedback. No system is perfect, thus, constant improvements must always be ensured.

Collecting feedback from all stakeholders is essential to make sure that the outcome-based learning process is efficient and effective. One can make the necessary changes or tweaks if issues arise along the way.

FAQs

What is the purpose of OBE?

The main purpose of OBE is to have a goal-driven approach to learning. A clear and specific outcome is laid out at the beginning.

What does student centered learning mean in education?

Student centered learning recognizes that acquiring new skills and knowledge is not limited to the four corners of a classroom. A student centered education promotes interactive learning.

Key Takeaways

Outcome-based learning revolves around the defined end goals. That is why the subsets or tasks in between have to be related to the desired outcomes.

OBE is beneficial because it allows children to commit mistakes without compromising or permanently affecting their final output. It also allows educators to integrate various teaching methods that will be more effective.

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