Abstract Book of the 2nd International Teaching and Education Conference
Year: 2025
[PDF]
A Paradigm Shifts of Conventional Teaching and Learning to Outcome-Based Education. A Case of Sri Lankan Education Sector
Baratha Dewanarayana
ABSTRACT:
Education is the central pillar of success for economic development chapter as it devises a paradigm shift of human thinking leading towards self-discipline, broad scoped, creative, and independent nation with realistic perspectives. The economy as an integrated network among residents within a given geographical boundary, consists of educated Nation, contributes the gross domestic product with more value additions based on skilled labor supply. Mode of education possibly will either confine or enlarge the harvest of education for an economy unless it is not updated with modern global educational best practices.
Outcome based Education (OBE) has been a practice though it was unnoticed. However, the implementation of OBE is mostly discussed in recent literature with the enhanced exercise around the globe. OBE is the intrinsic teaching and learning methodology for many developed economies for decades. Nevertheless, the Universities and higher education institutes in Sri Lanka exercise OBE to a lesser extent.
The purposes of the study are to explore the OBE concept and its widespread implementation in the globe, to investigate challenges for Sri Lankan Higher Education sector to adopt OBE and to identify prospects of positioning OBE to Sri Lankan Higher Education sector. The research study is designed as qualitative and secondary data sources are tapped to gather data.
OBE is not purely a brand-new concept for Sri Lanka. However, OBE has been implemented at primary, secondary, tertiary, and vocational levels in an unnoticed manner in a limited degree. Nevertheless, the teacher centered, traditional teaching and learning techniques are strongly visible in contemporary educational practices. Long lasting conventional education system, resilient addiction with conform by both learners and teachers and lack of initiatives are the key challenges to adopt OBE for a paradigm shift in Sri Lanka. Modern tech savvy learners, availability of technology and knowledge for education, global educational benchmarks, and type of learner and teacher generations are the prospects for Sri Lanka to position Outcome-Based Education in Sri Lanka.
Keywords: OBE, Higher Education, Teaching and learning techniques