Four principles guide the transformational OBE approach, taken together they strengthen the conditions for both learner and teacher success:
clarity of focus
design down
high expectations
expanded opportunities
According to Spady (1998) the basic principle of transformational OBE is the clarity of the focus. This principle infers that curriculum development, implementation and evaluation should be geared by the outcomes which are expected as the culminating demonstrations of the learners. The principle clearly delineates that the articulation of the desired end point is ators have to identify a clear focus on what they want learners to be able to demonstrate at the end of significant learning time. Once these outcomes have been identified, the curriculum is constructed by backward mapping of knowledge and skills. The design down aspect infers that all curricular and educational activities should be designed back from the point where the “exit outcomes” are expected to happen.
The principle of high expectations elicits higher level of standards then would normally be set as only those can be labeled completed. Further learners are supported to culminate higher level of performance (Spady, 1998). Expanded opportunities provide for a flexible approach in time and teaching methodologies matched against the needs of the learner allowing more than one opportunity to succeed (Killen, 2000). Each of these principles are explored and applied to practice below.