Outcomes based education (OBE) is about trying to identify exactly what it is that we want the learner to be able to do when they complete any unit of work. These are called Learning Outcomes.

Once we know the outcomes of the unit we can then decide on the resources, learning experiences or activities that will make up the whole unit.

When you evaluate classroom resource you should therefore make sure you are aware of what you want your learners to be able to do after they have used the resource.

The resource evaluation table we will be using combines some of the features of good OBE practice into a simple list of criteria that can be used for any type of classroom resource. This is explained below.

The Resource

Is Learner Centred, i.e. focused on what the learner learns rather than what the teacher teaches.

This criterion reflects the fundamental principles of OBE i.e. that it is focused on what each learner can do and does do.

Encourages Co-operative learning.

OBE encourages learners to learn from each other. It also helps to make the school experience more like real life because there are very few jobs that do not involve teamwork.

Develops outcomes that are relevant to the curriculum at the appropriate level of understanding.

The resource must help to develop the learner in a relevant topic at the relevant level.

Will challenge learners but not threaten them.

This criterion asks you to think about your own learners and how they might respond to the resource. Too difficult and they will get discouraged and bored. Too easy and they will lose interest quickly. If in doubt, too easy is always better than too challenging.

Is set in contexts that are accessible to learners, transferable outside of the classroom, relevant to the life experience of the learner and/or the future needs of the learner. (Authentic)

Any new learning is built onto the combined total conceptual framework in a learner's mind. Most of that framework will have developed from life experience outside the classroom so learning is always much more effective when contexts are chosen that are already part of a learners experience.

Involves inter-related skills, knowledge, values and attitudes from a range of "subject disciplines" and life experiences.

Learning experiences are much richer if they integrate a variety of different types of activity that draw from skills, knowledge and values from a learner's whole experience.

Sets learners' clear targets and will allow the learners achievements to be measured and recorded.

Learners like to know exactly what you want from them and what they need to do to receive your praise.

Will allow learners to produce clear evidence of having achieved the outcomes.

Learners also like to have a "product" that demonstrates how good they are at something and will make someone proud of them.

Cater for diversity, Different learning styles, different abilities, Different cultures, gender, values, etc.

The South African Classroom is very diverse. It is important that the resources you choose are suitable for all your learners, not just some of them.

Remember:
Your focus when choosing resources should always be on how effectively the learner will acquire the skills, knowledge and values that have been identified in the curriculum or at the beginning of the unit of work.