OBL (Outcome-Based Learning) Workshops

These workshops were the best workshops I attended. It was really both enjoyable and informative.
I defiantly follow its guidelines and instructions in my future path. However, my teaching methodology was matched with this platform based on my experiences and after that I will apply it professionally in my teaching.

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OBL #1

 

What is OBL?

OBL is the abbreviation of Outcome-Based Learning. This model is a learner-centered approach against of conventional or traditional teaching system. OBE process guarantees an education every student.

OBL is a process that emphasize on what is supposed to be learned (outcomes).

Indeed, organizing whole institute’s program and educational attempts are around the outcomes which we want all learners indicate after their graduations. Hence, an outcomes-based approach is applied on all over of educational process including course outcomes, course objective, designing assessments and developing lesson plan.

Six Key Principles in OBL  (Evans & King, 1994)

• Conceptualize course backwards
• Focus on application and integration of knowledge, skills, and attitudes
• Assess often and authentically
• Create a learner-centered classroom
• Use active learning
• Take responsibility

OBL Benefits for students and teachers:

There are a lot benefits for students and teacher including

–   Providing a platform and strategy to promote Teaching

–   Improving curriculum

–   Encourage learners to take responsibility for learning

–   Enhance Students’ knowledge, skills and experience

 

The OBL’s benefits are categorized in four below criteria:

Clarity:

There is a clear expectation of what students learn by the end of the course and also the teachers know what should be taught in the course.

Flexibility:

OBL doesn’t force trainer to use particular methodology and teacher are free for choosing any approach.

Comparison:

The outcomes that a student has achieved, specifies what level she/he will be in new intuition.

Involvement:

The most important part of OBL is students’ involvement. This involvement allow to students to take responsibly for their learning.

 

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OBL #2:

What is a Course Outcome?

A course outcome is statements which specify what students will be able to do by the end of their course.

Indeed, this statement describes knowledge, skills which are expected to learn or able to do.

This demonstration of knowledge and skills are realistic, measurable, observable and attainable.

Writing effective outcomes is the most importuning part in this process because all activities will around the outcomes pivot. It is very important that as a teacher know what is supposed to students learn by the end of the course. Training should be done in such a proper way which students able to acquire Pre-designed outcomes course. It is very sensitive responsibility and Individuals with special qualifications are selected for this purpose. 

 

Bloom’s Taxonomy

 

 

https://cft.vanderbilt.edu/guides-sub-pages/blooms-taxonomy/

 

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OBL #3:

Assessment:

Assessment is part of learning process and should follow the learners’ path for achieving outcomes.
During this journey two kinds of assessments can be served. There are “formative” and “summative”.
Formative assessments use most of time in order to inform instructors regarding to what the students have learned so far. It is usually informal and not accurate.
Summative assessments are designed accurately based considered outcomes and students are graded based on a clear and transparent rubric instruction.

 

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OBL #4:

Lesson Plan:

Lesson plan are created align with outcomes during the course.
For designing lesson plan we should consider the steps of learning cycles.
The first activity for starting lesson is “Motivation”
As the student should finally be able to apply the course knowledge, hence, instructors should be inspiring them the beginning of the class for reaching the final purpose. Then provided information will be delivered in the “Comprehension” phase by instructors in an enjoyable and interesting way.
In “practice” stage, students practice to integrate course knowledge and skills. Teacher plays a coach role and facilitator now.
In “application” stage, students apply the course knowledge in real word situation which have been provided by instructor before and are been evaluated as well.