A systematic enterprise of intellectual and practical activity encompassing the methodical study of what is beyond everything; building and organizing knowledge through observation and testable explanations is what we know as science. Science affects us all from the moment we wake up until we retire to bed. In a foreword by Donald P. Hearth, former Director of NASA Langley Research Center, stated that with technology, science had a huge impact on society in different aspects — making our lives easier; giving opportunities to pursue societal concerns such as ethics, aesthetics, education, justice, etc., etc. Since men produced his first tool, the world is bound in constant process of making tomorrow better than today by learning deeper areas of a known subject and testing hypotheses logically; making changes, exploring new ideas and possibilities, altering the realm.
Science is not only about understanding scientific terms, writing down procedures, and making research papers based on assumptions yet to be proven. It is indeed putting concepts into reality. And when it comes into education, Outcomes-Based Teaching and Learning (OBTL) would be a good example of turning science into something visual. OBTL is focused on the outcome from the learner rather than what the teacher intends to teach. It assures that the teaching and learning activities (TLAs) and assessment methods (AMs) are constructively aligned with the intended learning outcomes (ILO) for a particular course according to Center for Holistic Teaching and Learning. This strategy was believed to be more student-centered as outcomes are the specific measurable achievement of them.
Application of OBTL is best seen in Science Investigatory Project (SIP) as it requires problem-solving and critical thinking skills. SIP was considered as one of the major achievements in Science Department as it enables students to develop scientific investigation, generate ideas, weigh decisions rationally and acquire knowledge of various scientific concepts. As they apply their skills and understanding on a higher ground, they enhance not only their abilities but deepen and add on the body of knowledge, too.
As SIP is performed as part of curriculum/educational activities, OBTL is undeniably in progress in such a way that students expressed what they know about a certain topic and exert effort upon knowing more. The outcome of this is more than just a pile of paper. It is how students showcased their ability in gathering information, conducting research. According to an article entitled Widen the Horizons on Investigatory Project and Its Impact to Learners, “Doing Science Investigatory Project is similarly performing hands-on project or commonly known as learning by doing… Gearing students toward doing science investigatory project involves investigation, discovery and finding out something which was not known by the students before. This makes application of science evident.”
Science education is one of the most important subjects not only as part of an educational curriculum but its power to advance things around us. And with the utilization of OBTL and conducting SIP, students would be engaged and would enjoy what they are learning, thus might be unfolding and using their areas of strength leading to positive and useful outcomes.
References:
Burke, James; Bergman, Jules; Asminov, Isaac. (n.d.). The Impact of Science on Society. Retrieved from https://history.nasa.gov/sp482.pdf
Centre for Holistic Teaching and Learning, Hong Kong Baptist University. (2019). Outcomes-Based Teaching and Learning (OBTL). Retrieved from https://chtl.hkbu.edu.hk/main/teaching-and-learning/obtl/
Salac, Bernadette P. (July 29, 2017). Widen the Horizons on Investigatory Project and Its Impact to Learners. Retrieved from https://www.pressreader.com/
