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Session 2793

Modeling the Performance of an Outcome Based Educational Framework Faouzi Bouslama, Azzedine Lansari, Akram Al-Rawi, Abdullah Abonamah College of Information Systems, Zayed University P.O.Box 4783, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce an Outcomes Based Educational model that has been adopted by Zayed University, a newly established institution in the United Arab Emirates. We provide an overview of the learning outcomes assessment courses used to support and assist students in their development of the university learning outcomes. We introduce the assessment process and the e- portfolio. The academic program model is a new concept that uses the outcome-based approach and the grade point average technique. This hybrid model is complex and includes many unsolved issues. In order to understand and clarify some of these issues, we propose to use neural networks that provide a mathematical model. To simplify the complexities of the academic model, we use a reduced map of the relationships between students’ activities and the learning outcomes to be used in the assessment process. The model is tested using students’ works. The neural networks based model is used to help decision makers improve the educational model.

1. Introduction

The educational model adopted by Zayed University (ZU), a new institution in the UAE, is based on an Outcome-Based Educational (OBE) learning approach1. This new educational concept in the Gulf region responds to the new demands of a modern society while continuously providing improvement to succeed in this rapidly changing world2. It also shifts the educational paradigm from what the teacher should teach to what the student should learn. In the OBE learning approach, the Learning Outcomes (LOs) are the kernel of the courses and the curriculum. All courses in an Outcome-Based Educational model are designed to clearly show the experiences that students may draw upon to achieve a learning outcome3.

The Zayed University OBE learning model1 is framed by three sets of Learning Outcomes two of which are course embedded. In this paper, the focus is on the higher intellectual outcomes that are not course embedded. They are called Zayed University Learning Outcomes (ZULOs). To fulfill their ZULO requirements, students compile evidence of their achievement in an electronic portfolio (e-portfolio), which is assessed by a faculty panel. A number of issues that are linked to the use of the Outcome-Based Educational approach have been identified. They include the correlation between the selection of the evidence and the achievement of a specific learning outcome, the students’ reflection on their learning experiences, and the subjectivity and consistency in the assessment of student portfolio.

In this paper, we give an overview of the Zayed University OBE model with a focus on the ZULOs component. We provide an overview of the learning outcomes assessment courses used

Proceedings of the 2003 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2003, American Society for Engineering Education 1

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Lansari, A., & Abonamah, A., & Al-Rawi, A., & Bouslama, F. (2003, June), Modeling The Performance Of An Outcome Based Educational Framework Paper presented at 2003 Annual Conference, Nashville, Tennessee. 10.18260/1-2--12623