Outcomes Based Learning

Outcomes based learning is the use of varied experiences to achieve a set of defined outcomes.  These experiences can and in fact must be drawn from a wide range of disciplines and result in observable, applicable and measurable knowledge.  Outcomes based learning is radically different then what most of us associate with a learning experience.    The traditional approach to learning can be expressed as objective based learning.  The teacher has a series of objectives that if completed or met, show understanding of the material covered.  Thus objective based learning focuses on what the teacher will teach where as outcomes based learning focuses on what the student will do.  Objective based learning describes the intent of teach while outcome based learning describes the result of learning.  Objective learning focuses on providing opportunity for learning while outcomes based learning focuses on how learning is used.  Finally, objective based learning is predicated on a limited time scale.  That is, objective learning is based around an estimated amount of learning done in a given time.  In contrast, outcome based learning is, by its very nature, dependant on flexible allocation of time.  In other words, the student dictates what is learned and when. It is clear that while most of the teaching world stubbornly sticks with objective based learning, outcomes based learning is by far a superior model for online learning.