Outcomes Based

Education(OBE)
Prepared By : Baltazar V. Raffiñan
Subject : DPE 101
Professor : Dr. Elpidio A. Melgo
 CONTENTS

1. Introduction
2. Definitions
3. OBE Roots
4. OBE Philosophy
5. OBE Principles
6. OBE Purpose
6. Assessment Criteria
7. Summary
8. References
 1. Introduction

Outcomes based education (OBE) is a process that

involves the restructuring of curriculum, assessment and
reporting practices in education to reflect the achievement
of high order learning and mastery rather than the
accumulation of course credits(Tucker, 2004). Thus the
primary aim of OBE is to facilitate desired changes within
the learners, by increasing knowledge, developing skills
and/or positively influencing attitudes, values and
judgment. OBE embodies the idea that the best way to
learn is to first determine what needs to be achieved.
Once the end goal (product or outcome) has been
determined the strategies, processes, techniques, and
other ways and means can be put into place to achieve
the goal.
 2. Definitions

Outcomes are clear learning results that learners have to

demonstrate at the end of significant learning experiences:
what learners can actually do with what they know and have
learned. Outcomes are actions/ performances that embody
and reflect learner competence in using content, information,
ideas and tools successfully. Geyser (1999) says when
learners do important things with what they know they have
taken a significant step beyond knowing itself. Vella,
Berardinelli & Burrow (1998) reminds us of the importance of
accountability mechanisms (learner assessment) that directly
reflect student performance and help learners “know what
they know”. Thus outcomes describe the results of learning
over a period of time – the results of what is learned versus
what is taught.
OBE is defined as a “…comprehensive approach to organizing
and operating an education system that is focused in and
defined by the successful demonstrations of learning sought
from each student” (Spady, 1994). An Education
Department of Western Australia document describes OBE as
“an educational process which is based on trying to achieve
certain specified outcomes in terms of individual student
learning. Thus, having decided what are the key things
students should understand and be able to do or the qualities
they should develop, both structures and curricula are
designed to achieve those capabilities or qualities.
Educational structures and curriculum are regarded as means
not ends. If they do not do the job, they are rethought”
(Willis & Kissane, 1995).
Behind these definitions lie an approach to planning,
delivering and evaluating instruction that requires
administrators, teachers and learners to focus their
respective attention and efforts on the desired results of
education (Killen, 2000) and to be accountable for what
transpires (Spady, 1994; Vella, et al, 1998). The shift toward
OBE is similar to the total quality movement as it reflects the
best way for individuals and organizations to get where they
are going is first to determine where they want to be then
plan backward to determine the best way to get from here to
there. Proponents of OBE assume there are many ways to
arrive at the same results. OBE is currently favored
internationally in countries such as Canada, South Africa,
New Zealand and United States (Malan, 2000).
 3. OBE Roots

An outcomes based approach to education dates back some

500 years to craft guilds of the Middle Ages in Europe in the
form of apprenticeship training models and there are many
examples still in place today (Spady, 1996). Malan (2000)
analyzed past educational reforms that influenced OBE and
identified the following:

 Tyler’s educational objectives In 1950 Tyler identified

fundamental issues important when developing and
planning instruction, including purpose, content,
organization and evaluation. He believed objectives were
essential for systematic planning and identifying the
required learner behaviour post instruction as well as the
content and context to apply it within. His curriculum
design approach continued to influence teaching for several
decades and the basic philosophy for outcomes based
design is rooted there (Arjun, 1998 cited in Malan, 2000)
 Bloom’s mastery learning. Bloom taxonomies for
educational objectives emerged in the 1950s and
helped to determine whether learners had attained
acceptable standards compared to desired learning
outcomes. His mastery learning theory was based on
the premise that with sufficient opportunities and
support from an appropriate learning environment
most learners are successful in their learning tasks.
This notion is reflected in OBE. Other characteristics
of mastery learning include:
◦ Ascertaining prerequisite knowledge or skills to
attain goals (outcomes)
◦ A flexible timeframe to attain goals (outcomes)
◦ Using different media and materials to create
enriched teaching/learning contexts
◦ Formative evaluation to provide feedback for both
teaching and learning improvement
 Competency based education was introduced in the 1960s
in North America in response to growing concerns that
students were not being taught what they required after
they left school. Malan (2000) summarizes the following
components from the competency based literature, noting
their prominent in OBE:
◦ Explicit learning outcomes with respect to the required
skills and concomitant proficiency (standards for
assessment)
◦ A flexible timeframe to master skills
◦ A variety of instructional activities to facilitate learning
◦ Criterion referenced testing of the required outcomes
◦ Certification based on demonstrated learning outcomes
◦ Adaptable programmes to ensure optimum learner
guidance
◦ Support for the notion the learner is accountable for his
or her own achievement
 Glaser’s criterion-referenced learning: In 1963, Glaser
described criterion-referenced measurement as that which
locates a student’s test behaviour on a continuum ranging
from “no proficiency” to “perfect performance”. Criterion-
reference instruction and assessment is based on attaining
specific outcomes and on testing for competence in terms
of stated criterion. This form of instruction compares a
learning outcome or mastery of competencies with a
predetermined external standard. Success is measured by
demonstration of standards followed by remedial
intervention as required. Criterion-referenced assessment
is the preferred mode of assessment in OBE.
 Spady’s OBE approach closely resembles Mager’s (1962)
guidelines in terms of expected performance, conditions
under which it is attained and standards for assessed
quality. OBE learning programme assessment and learner’s
competence can be compared to specific criteria.
Competence in the required outcome (learner behaviours)
is demonstrated by culminated of significant learning within
a context, and specific timeframe required by the individual
learner. OBE is explored in greater detail in the following
sections.
 4. OBE Philosophy

OBE can be regarded as a theory (or a philosophy) of

education (Killen, 2000). Within OBE there are a certain set
of beliefs and assumptions about learning, teaching and the
systemic structures within which activities take place. Spady
(1994) proposes three basic assumptions: all learners can
learn and succeed; success breeds success; and “teaching
institutions” (schools) control the conditions of success.

Killen (2000) defines two basic types of outcome. The first

includes performance indicators often measured in terms of
tests results, completion rates, post course employment, and
so forth. It also emphasizes learner mastery of traditional
subject related academic outcomes/content and some cross
discipline outcomes (such as problem solving or working
cooperatively). The second is less tangible and usually
expressed in terms of what the learners know, are able to do
or are like as a result of their education.
It stresses long term, cross-curricular outcomes which relate
to future life roles of the learner (such as being a productive
worker, a responsible citizen or parent). These two
approaches are what Spady (1994) respectively calls
traditional/transactional (content based) and
transformational (outcomes based) learning systems. See
below latter is the focus of this research and includes
standards to be consistently demonstrated by the learner at
the end of a significant learning experience.
 Content Based Learning Versus Outcomes Based Learning
(Source: Spady,1994)
Content Based Learning System Outcomes Based Learning System
Passive students Active learners
Assessment process – exam & grade driven Continuous assessment

Rote learning Critical thinking, reasoning, reflection & action

Content based/broken into subjects Integration knowledge, learning relevant/ connected
real life situations
Textbook/worksheet focused & teacher Learner centred & educator/ facilitator use group/
centred teamwork
See syllabus as rigid & non negotiable Learning programmes seen as guides that allow
educators to be innovative & creative in designing
programmes/ activities
Teachers/trainers responsible for learning - Learners take responsibility for their learning, learners
motivated by personality of teacher motivated by constant feedback/ affirmation of worth

Emphasis what teacher hopes to achieve Emphasis outcomes – what learner becomes &
understands
Content placed in rigid time frames Flexible time frames - learners work at own pace

Stay in single learning institution until Learners can gather credits different institutions until
complete achieve
Qualification
Previous knowledge & experience in learning Recognition of prior learning: after pre-assessment,
field ignored – Each time attends whole learners credited outcomes demonstrated or transfer
course credits elsewhere
 5. OBE Principles

Four principles guide the transformational OBE approach,

taken together they strengthen the conditions for both
learner and teacher success:
 clarity of focus
 design down
 high expectations
 expanded opportunities

According to Spady (1998) the basic principle of

transformational OBE is the clarity of the focus. This principle
infers that curriculum development, implementation and
evaluation should be geared by the outcomes which are
expected as the culminating demonstrations of the learners.
The principle clearly delineates that the articulation of the
desired end point is essential for successful outcomes (Willis
& Kissane, 1997). Curriculum planners and educators have to
identify a clear focus on what they want learners to be able
to demonstrate at the end of significant learning time. Once
these outcomes have been identified, the curriculum is
constructed by backward mapping of knowledge and skills.
The design down aspect infers that all curricular and
educational activities should be designed back from the point
where the “exit outcomes” are expected to happen. The
principle of high expectations elicits higher level of standards
then would normally be set as only those can be labeled
completed. Further learners are supported to culminate
higher level of performance (Spady, 1998). Expanded
opportunities provide for a flexible approach in time and
teaching methodologies matched against the needs of the
learner allowing more than one opportunity to succeed
(Killen, 2000). Each of these principles are explored and
applied to practice below.
Outcomes Based Principles – explanation & application
(Source: Spady, 1994; Killen, 2000)
OBE Principles Explanation Application to practice
Clarity of focus  Focus on what  Help learners develop
want learners be competencies
able to do  Enable predetermined
successfully significant outcomes
 Clarify short & long term
learning intentions
 Focus assessments on
significant outcomes
Design down  Begin curriculum  Develop systematic
design with a clear education curricula
definition of the  Trace back from desired end
significant results
learning that  Identity “learning building
learners are to blocks”
achieve by the end  Link planning, teaching &
of their formal assessment decisions to
education significant learner outcomes
High  Establish high,  Engage deeply with issues
expectations challenging are learning
performance  Push beyond where normally
standards have gone
Expanded  Do not learn same  Provide multiple learning
opportunities thing in same way opportunities matching
in same time learner’s needs with
teaching techniques
 6. OBE Purpose

Spady (1994) emphasizes that the decision of what and whether

the learners learn is more important than when it happens and
through what means (how) they learn it. He therefore identifies
two key aims for OBE:
 Ensure all learners are successful in that they are equipped
with the knowledge, skills and qualities (values and attitudes)
required after they exit the educational system
 Achieve and maximize selected outcomes for all students by
structuring and operating education facilities to be success
oriented.
Spady also advises that while all learners can learn and succeed,
they cannot do so on the same day because learners have
different learning rates as well as learning styles. Further since
successful learning breeds more successful learning the
importance of having a stronger cognitive and psychological
foundation of prior learning cannot be underestimated.
And since the conditions directly affecting learning are under
the “educational system’s control”, learning is dependent on
the willingness of teachers and others to believe in the
approach and support learners in their learning. As OBE
philosophy requires educators focus more broadly on
accomplishing results versus simply providing a service, it
differs greatly from more traditional forms of education, most
notably in it’s:
 overall approach (framework)
 perception of time
 what and how standards are assessed
 how performance is determined
Each of these four areas is further explored below. Key to
this approach is clear learning outcomes around which all of
the system’s components can be focused.
Importantly is the requirement of establishing conditions as
well as the opportunities that enable and encourage all
learners to achieve the essential outcomes (Spady, 1994).
 Learning Systems: Content Based versus Outcomes
Based(Source: Spady, 1994)
Learning System Content Based (Traditional/Transactional) Outcomes Based (Transformational)
Characteristics

Framework  Predefined curriculum, assessment &  Curriculum, instructional

credentialing in place strategies, assessment &
 Structures “ends”, no defined learners’ performed standards
outcomes  Structures support outcomes,
flexible & a means to define
“learning ends”

Time  Inflexible constraint for educator &  Used alterable source – match
learner schedule controls learning & needs of educator & learners
success
Performance  Comparative & competitive approach  Learners potentially able receive
standards  Linked to predetermined “curve” or quota credit for achieving performance
of possible successes standards
 No quotas & standards pursued

Learning  Continuous testing & permanent grading  Macro view learning &
assessments  Mistakes on permanent record: best achievement
grades & records fast & consistent  Mistakes inevitable steps in
performers; slower learners never catch development, internalizing &
up demonstrating high level of
 Never assess/ document what learners performance capabilities
can ultimately do successfully  Ultimate achievement what able to
do
 6. Assessment Criteria
Killen (2000) says to be useful in an OBE system,
assessment criteria should conform to the following
principles:
 The assessment procedures should be valid – they should
assess what they are intended to assess
 The assessment procedures should be reliable – they
should give consistent results
 The assessment procedures should be fair – they should
not be influenced by any irrelevant factors such as the
learner’s cultural background
 Assessment should reflect the knowledge and skills that
are most important for learners to learn
 Assessment should tell educators and individual learners
something they do not already know, stretching learners to
the limits of their understanding and ability to apply their
knowledge
 Assessment should be comprehensive and explicit
 Assessment should support every learner’s opportunity to
learn things that are important
 Because learners are individuals, assessment should allow
this individuality to be demonstrated
As well, to ensure fair, equitable and transparent judgment,
the criteria used during the assessment process must be
identified, formulated and made known to all candidates
before assessment takes place. The implications of Spady’s
four principles in determining whether a candidate’s
demonstration/performance was sufficient, are that
assessment must be summative (continuous monitoring with
feedback), performance based (authentic in the workplace/
real life environment) and criterion referenced (assessment
criteria).
The transition from traditional/transactional learning to
transformative outcomes based learning requires educators
to facilitate the learning process by creating and expanding
learning opportunities. The learner’s role is to actively
participate in and contribute towards the learning process. To
facilitate learning curriculum (learning programme)
development is essential.
There are many positive aspects to OBE, particularly from a
transformational viewpoint. It supports a rational approach to
education as a means rather than an end in itself and
support cooperative versus competitive learning. It demands
that those who plan, manage and account for what happens
to focus their efforts onto learning and attainment of desired
outcomes as opposed to curriculum content and achievement
of grades. Learning is no longer time and teacher dependent.
Learners, educators and others who support learning have to
become more attune to creating the conditions that supports
learning and attainment of desired
outcomes. As noted by Spady (1994), OBE demands a
“…commitment to continuous growth and improvement is
critical to success”.
 7. Summary

In summary, the focus of education has shifted from the

educator to learner however this shift requires change within
the educational system in order to facilitate learning.
Establishing an OBE system for education is the best way for
a particular learner to reach the desired outcomes. The role
of the educator is to enable and encourage all learners to
achieve essential outcomes while the learner actively
participates in and contributes towards the learning process.
OBE also demands a commitment to continuing professional
development and lifelong learning.
 8. References

 Arjun, P. 1998. An Evaluation of the Proposed New Curriculum for

Schools in Relation to Kuhn’s Conception of Paradigms and Paradigms
Shifts. South African Journal of Higher Education, 12(1), 20-26. Cited
in B. Malan, 2000. The New Paradigm of Outcomes-based Education
in Perspective. Tydskrif vir Verbruikerwetenskappe. 28, 22-28.
Accessed September 18, 2004 from
http://www.up.ac.za/academic/acadorgs/saafecs/vol28/malan.html

 Geyser, H. 1999. Phase 2: Workshop 1: Developing OBET

Programmes for Higher Education. Higher Education Policy Unit: Rand
Afrikaans University.

 Killen, R. 2000. Outcomes-Based Education: Principles and

Possibilities. Unpublished manuscript. University of Newcastle,
Australia: Faculty of Education. Retrieved September 11, 2004 from
http://www.schools.nt.edu.au/curricbr/cf/outcomefocus/Killen_paper.
pdf.
 Malan, B. 2000. The New Paradigm of Outcomes-based
Education in Perspective. Tydskrif vir
Verbruikerwetenskappe, 28, 22-28. Retrieved September
18, 2004 from
http://www.up.ac.za/academic/acadorgs/saafecs/vol28/ma
lan.html

 Spady, W. 1994. Outcomes Based Education: Critical Issues

and Answers. American Association of School
Administration: Arlington, Virginia.

 Spady, W. 1996. Why Business Can't Afford the Trashing of

OBE. Northern Territory Department of Education.
Retrieved 31 October 2002, from
www.schools.nt.edu.au/curricbr/cf/outcomefocus/OBE_and
_business.pdf.
 Tucker, B. 2004. Literature Review: Outcomes-focused
Education in Universities. Learning Support Network, Curtin
University of Technology. Retrieved October 19, 2004, from
http://lsn.curtin.edu.au/outcomes/docs/LitReview.pdf.

 Vella, J., Berardinelli, P. & Burrow, J. 1998. How Do They

Know They Know: Evaluating Adult Learning. San
Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

 Willis, S. & Kissane, B. 1995. Outcome-Based Education: A

Review of the Literature. Prepared for the Education
Department of Western Australia.

 Willis, S. & Kissane, B. 1997. Achieving Outcome-Based

Education. Perth, Western Australia: Education Department
of Western Australia.