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A Fresh Perspective on Education: Exploring the Subjectivist Approach



Yu, F.-L. T. (2016). Outcomes-Based Education: A Subjectivist Critique. International Journal of Educational Reform, 25(3), 319-333. https://doi.org/10.1177/105678791602500306



Introduction


In a world increasingly focused on quantifiable outcomes in education, the paper titled "Outcomes-Based Education: A Subjectivist Critique" by Fu-Lai Tony Yu offers a compelling alternative. The paper, presented in the International Journal of Educational Reform, critiques the prevalent Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) and champions a more nuanced approach that values subjective understanding and intersubjectivity in the learning process.


Understanding Outcomes-Based Education (OBE)


OBE has been a transformative approach in education, prioritizing measurable student outcomes over traditional input-focused methods. Originating in the 1960s in North America, OBE has been adopted globally, with the aim of preparing students with necessary skills for societal contributions post-graduation. While OBE's learner-centered focus is commendable, the critique provided by Yu emphasizes its limitations, particularly its reliance on positivism which may overlook the complexity of individual learning experiences.


The Subjectivist Critique

Yu argues that the stringent focus of OBE on measurable outcomes can undermine the broader educational experience. He highlights the case of Helen Keller and her instructor Anne Sullivan as a vivid illustration of how significant educational achievements can sometimes defy quantification. The subjectivist critique proposed in the paper suggests that education should also embrace non-measurable elements that contribute to a student's holistic development.


Alternative Approach: Subjective Understanding

The paper proposes "subjective understanding" as an alternative method to the positivist approach of OBE. Drawing from philosophical underpinnings by Max Weber and Alfred Schutz, this approach emphasizes understanding the subjective experiences of learners. It advocates for a teaching methodology that respects individual perspectives and fosters mutual understanding through intersubjectivity — a shared recognition of each other's subjective realities.


Strengths of the Subjectivist Approach

  1. Holistic Understanding: By focusing on subjective experiences, teachers can gain deeper insights into the individual challenges and needs of their students.
  2. Flexibility in Teaching: This approach allows educators to adapt teaching methods based on the unique context and background of each student, promoting a more personalized learning experience.
  3. Encouragement of Creativity: Unlike OBE, which can restrict teaching to predefined outcomes, subjective understanding fosters an environment where creative and spontaneous ideas are valued.


Lessons Learned and Implications

  1. Incorporation of Non-Measurable Outcomes: Education systems should consider the importance of non-measurable aspects of learning, such as emotional growth, ethical understanding, and personal development.
  2. Enhanced Teacher-Student Relationships: The subjectivist method promotes closer interactions between teachers and students, enhancing the educational experience through shared understanding.
  3. Adaptation of Assessment Methods: Moving away from standard tests and embracing diverse assessment methods like essays, portfolios, and real-world tasks can better capture the depth of student learning.


Conclusion

While OBE has its merits, especially in standardizing educational outcomes, integrating subjective understanding into educational practices offers a richer, more comprehensive approach to learning. By acknowledging the limitations of purely measurable outcomes, educators can better prepare students not just for tests, but for the complexities of real life. Lastly, the insights from Yu's paper encourage a thoughtful reconsideration of how educational success is defined and measured, advocating for a balanced approach that respects both measurable achievements and the intangible, yet impactful, facets of learning.