Outcome-based education System vs Traditional education system.
Which One is Best for You?
The last couple of decades have made it clear that we need a paradigm shift in the way we educate our future generation. The focus needs to move from the curriculum to the learner’s needs. Many leading institutions are adopting an outcome-based education system instead of traditional education. Outcome based education provides students with a chance to develop new skills that will be relevant in real life and helpful in building their careers.
What is the difference between Outcome-based education & Traditional education systems?
Outcome-based education System
The outcome-based learning system or OBE is an educational system that bases each part of learning around goals or outcomes. By the end of the educational experience, the student should have achieved the pre-defined goal. OBE does not define a specific teaching method; every class, assessment, and opportunity should help students achieve the outcomes.
- Curriculum Design
In outcome-based education systems, the curriculum is designed as per the needs of the students, keeping in mind the skills that students need to develop to work in the industry. Here the curriculum is planned and updated every year to keep it aligned with the changing needs of the business.
- Teaching Process
Outcome-based education does not specify any particular style of teaching for educators. Instead, educators are free to choose how they facilitate learning for their students. They may decide to select a classroom instruction model, a project-based model, or a combination of different pedagogies to impart knowledge.
- Final Outcome Assessment
There are various methods of assessment in the outcome-based learning method. These assessments are placed at different levels throughout the course duration and help students track their skills, learning, and how well they have attained the outcomes they set out to achieve.
Key takeaways from Outcome-based education
- It is a student-centric method focused on helping learners develop their skills
- OBE connects a student’s progress to the attainment of learning objectives
- Involves hands-on activities that develop a learner’s skills through experience
- Student’s strengths and weaknesses are taken into account to provide the relevant resources for developing their skills and knowledge.
- Instead of listening and learning, OBE demonstrates to students what they are capable of.
- At the end of the learning experience, OBE provides specific learning outcomes that show the skills a student has gained.
Traditional education system
The traditional education system works with a standardized structure of instruction. Learners need to keep up with the teacher’s pace and style of education. The conventional method of teaching centres on the educator, and the effectiveness of the learning depends solely on them.
- Curriculum Design
In the traditional education system, the same curriculum is passed on from the previous generation to the new. A standardized curriculum is helpful for educators as they know exactly what needs to be taught. However, for learners, a standardized curriculum may be off-putting, as not every student has the same pace of learning.
- Teaching Process
Faculties are focused on completing the syllabus given to them by the end of the semester or term. This teaching method allocates a pre-decided time for learning a particular course, and all students are expected to adhere to it.
- Final Outcome Assessment
The final assessment is usually in the form of a standardized test that all students need to take. Each student is awarded a grade or score based on their performance in the test. The test may be theoretical or practical, depending on the subject being tested.
Key Takeaways from Traditional education system
- Educator-centric model. The teacher discusses the topic for students to understand.
- The method of instruction is usually oral. Teachers talk about the subject while students listen, assess and memorize.
- Focused on transmitting knowledge and understanding of ideas to students.
- Lesser activities for students to gain hands-on experience in a subject.
- The course ends with a written assessment for students to show their understanding of the subject.
The traditional education system has been around for many decades and has worked well for generations. However, the learning needs change with each age, and education systems also need to evolve accordingly. The outcome-based education system focuses on a learner’s behaviour, skills, and knowledge. It is an education system that promises to prepare the next generation to thrive in a dynamic economic and socio-cultural environment.
Author Bio:
Arnav Kakkad is a software analyst at CollPoll, an AI-powered online platform for digital learning and campus automation. He’s also part of their digital team where he helps with marketing strategies, planning and content development. With a knack for understanding audiences and simplicity in presenting ideas, his content connects with people. In his free time, he enjoys reading and discovering new authors. He also goes hiking when he can to feed his free spirit.
