ISLAMABAD, JUN 23 /DNA/ – The Outcome Based Education (OBE) Implementation Committee of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan has finalised and recommended Programme Learning Outcomes for the undergraduate degree programmes that do not fall under the purview of any accreditation or regulatory council. After approval of the Commission, the governing body of HEC, the recommended Programme Learning Outcomes will be circulated among all the higher education institutions (HEIs).
The OBE Implementation Committee held its maiden meeting under the convenorship of Prof. Engr. Dr. Samreen Hussain on Tuesday.
The committee sanctioned the Programme Leaning Outcomes, in addition to an implementation approach, and Working Group Terms of Reference (ToRs), as a first step towards the execution of Outcome Based Education across all disciplines.
According to details, the committee considered and recommended two distinct sets of Programme Learning Outcomes for undergraduate degree programmes not currently under any accreditation or regulatory council – one set is for Natural, Human & Social Science disciplines, while the other set is tailored for Art, Design & Media disciplines. The two sets are benchmarked against national and international frameworks to ensure consistency and comparability of graduate quality.
Progress on Council Engagement: The convenor presented a progress report on the special task assigned by the Chairman HEC. Twelve councils that do not have published learning outcomes have been engaged. Draft proposals were developed through research on international benchmarks and consultative discussions, ensuring alignment with HEC-approved curricula and required competencies.
Unified Implementation Approach: The committee endorsed a coordinated implementation strategy for all HEIs. The approach will be supported by capacity building for faculty and Quality Enhancement Cells, with emphasis on direct assessment methods and continuous quality improvement to ensure effective adoption of outcome-based education nationwide.
Working Group ToRs: The committee reviewed and approved ToRs for the Discipline-wise Working Groups. The crux of the ToRs is to mentor and assist designated councils/HEIs in implementing OBE and achieving PLO attainment for programs outside any accreditation council. Key responsibilities include: Phase-I gap analysis and discipline-specific customization of PLOs; Phase-II capacity building through training modules and workshops for faculty and QECs; Phase-III implementation support to establish direct assessment and CQI mechanisms; and Phase-IV reporting with a sustainability plan for handover to QECs after 12 months. WGs are advisory and report to the Convener, OBE Implementation Committee.
The recommended Programme Learning Outcomes will be placed for approval of the Commission, and upon approval, shall be circulated among all HEIs. National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE) will develop mentoring and training modules, and will conduct training for the faculty engaged in teaching these courses and degree programmes.
