Editing Outcome-based education (section)

==Benefits of OBE==

===Clarity===
The focus on outcomes creates a clear expectation of what needs to be accomplished by the end of the course. Students will understand what is expected of them and teachers will know what they need to teach during the course. Clarity is important over years of schooling and when team teaching is involved. Each team member, or year in school, will have a clear understanding of what needs to be accomplished in each class, or at each level, allowing students to progress.<ref name=Tam>{{cite journal|last1=Tam|first1=Maureen|title=Outcomes-based approach to quality assessment and curriculum improvement in higher education.|journal=Quality Assurance in Education|year=2014|volume=22|issue=2|pages=158–168|doi=10.1108/QAE-09-2011-0059}}</ref> Those designing and planning the curriculum are expected to work backwards once an outcome has been decided upon; they must determine what knowledge and skills will be required to reach the outcome.<ref name=Butler>{{cite book|last1=Butler|first1=Mollie|title=OUTCOMES BASED/ OUTCOMES FOCUSED EDUCATION OVERVIEW|date=2004}}</ref>

===Flexibility===
With a clear sense of what needs to be accomplished, instructors will be able to structure their lessons around the student’s needs. OBE does not specify a specific method of instruction, leaving instructors free to teach their students using any method. Instructors will also be able to recognize diversity among students by using various teaching and assessment techniques during their class.<ref name=Tam /> OBE is meant to be a [[Student-centred learning|student-centered learning]] model. Teachers are meant to guide and help the students understand the material in any way necessary, study guides, and group work are some of the methods instructors can use to facilitate students learning.<ref name=Malan>{{cite journal|last1=Malan|first1=SPT|title=The 'new paradigm' of outcomes-based education in perspective|journal=Tydskrif vir Gesinsekologie en Verbruikerswetenskappe|year=2000|volume=28|url=http://reforma.fen.uchile.cl/Papers/The%20new%20paradigm%20of%20outcomes-based%20education%20in%20perspective%20-%20SPT%20Malan.pdf|access-date=20 November 2014|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225210/http://reforma.fen.uchile.cl/Papers/The%20new%20paradigm%20of%20outcomes-based%20education%20in%20perspective%20-%20SPT%20Malan.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Comparison===
OBE can be compared across different institutions. On an individual level, institutions can look at what outcomes a student has achieved to decide what level the student would be at within a new institution. On an institutional level, institutions can compare themselves, by checking to see what outcomes they have in common, and find places where they may need improvement, based on the achievement of outcomes at other institutions.<ref name=Tam /> The ability to compare easily across institutions allows students to move between institutions with relative ease. The institutions can compare outcomes to determine what credits to award the student. The clearly articulated outcomes should allow institutions to assess the student’s achievements rapidly, leading to increased movement of students. These outcomes also work for school to work transitions. A potential employer can look at records of the potential employee to determine what outcomes they have achieved. They can then determine if the potential employee has the skills necessary for the job.<ref name=Tam />

===Involvement===
Student involvement in the classroom is a key part of OBE. Students are expected to do their own learning, so that they gain a full understanding of the material. Increased student involvement allows students to feel responsible for their own learning, and they should learn more through this individual learning.<ref name=Malan /> Other aspects of involvement are parental and community, through developing curriculum, or making changes to it. OBE outcomes are meant to be decided upon within a school system, or at a local level. Parents and community members are asked to give input in order to uphold the standards of education within a community and to ensure that students will be prepared for life after school.<ref name=Malan />