Outcomes Based Education: A PNG Perspective
Dr Pam Norman
Abstract
This article explores the underpinning principles of outcomes based education (OBE) and aims to dispel some of the confusion and lack of understanding that surrounds it. The article draws upon the work of William Spady (1994, 1998) who is regarded as an authority in this field. Four essential principles of OBE are clarity of focus, designing back, high expectations and expanded opportunities, which are underpinned by the understanding that all students can learn and succeed but not all in the same time or in the same way; successful learning promotes even more successful learning; and schools (and teachers) control the conditions that determine whether or not students are successful in school learning. While outcomes can be written for traditional, transitional or transformational goals, it is the transformational approach that has been adopted by the current curriculum reforms in Papua New Guinea. This provides the opportunity for greater accountability for the outcomes of education to prepare students to be competent future citizens
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