Outcomes-based education and educational reform in South Africa

Abstract

The outcomes-based education or OBE paradigm (the underlying philosophy behind South Africa's ‘Curriculum’ 2005), which focuses on the outcomes of the educational process, was introduced in South Africa during the last decade as one of the measures to improve the quality of education in post-apartheid South Africa and to address the demands for an increasingly skilled working force. The OBE system (model) was introduced in South Africa on the assumption that it would lead to an increase in the quality of education that South African learners attain in schools. However, questions remain regarding whether OBE will necessarily improve the quality of education and transform South African schools. These questions are addressed, and the introduction of outcomes-based education in South Africa is discussed.