Changing existing qualifications into outcomes-based qualifications at Technikon SA: an action research report

Abstract

The changing context of Higher Education in South Africa provided us as a distance, open and flexible learning institution with a great challenge. We have used the opportunity of compiling the forms for interim registration of our existing qualifications at SAQA as a starting point. Various workshops were facilitated to determine the outcomes of each level of our qualification, B Tech: Policing. This led to the formulation of a purpose statement, exit level outcomes and specific outcomes as well as assessment criteria and the critical outcomes embedded in each level identified. Using the specific outcomes as a point of departure several workshops were held to identify the learning objectives. The content and method of assessment were also identified. The purpose of this article is to give a broad lay-out of the process followed to change from knowledge-based qualifications to outcomes-based qualifications. The method of research used is action research. South African Journal of Higher Education Vol.15(2) 2001: 105-118