Strategies for implementing outcomes-based education at the Technikon Free State

Abstract

The decision of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) that all qualifications should be registered in outcomes-based education (OBE) format on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) by 2000 forced all higher education institutions to take this approach to teaching and learning seriously. A research project on the implementation of OBE at technikons in 1999-2001 provided further reinforcement (CTM 2001). In this article the most important strategies used by the Technikon Free State (TFS) to implement the theoretical framework of OBE within the national higher education context are discussed. The implications of implementing OBE are also highlighted. Technikons are well-positioned to implement OBE, since the basic tenets of its theory and practice are similar to their traditional teaching philosophy.