A comparative analysis of outcome-based and conventional education systems in mechanical engineering program

Education is surely the cornerstone for the growth of a country; nonetheless, education institutions using conventional systems in Pakistan, is struggling to meet with the modern world challenges. Teaching, learning, and evaluation procedures in the old system are no longer logically adequate. To address the increased demand for qualified professionals and experts, educational institutions must adopt standardized learning and teaching techniques for their learners. Globally, to meet with the challenges of the modern world and overcome on the weaknesses of educations systems have resulted in the formation of international treaties and accords in the sphere of education. In contrast to previous ways, engineering colleges have adopted Outcome-Based Education (OBE) in different domains and have garnered universal approval. This study intends to introduce OBE in the mechanical engineering curriculum of a private institution in Pakistan. As a case study, 10 courses from the mechanical engineering program were selected and the outcomes of both the OBE and traditional methods are compared. As a consequence, it was concluded that the conventional technique is more pleasant for students. It had also been observed that full-span of knowledge was never obtained through examinations in the conventional approach. The study also revealed that OBE can be performed more correctly to solve the inadequacies of learners as compared to the traditional approach. The system assures the accountabilities of students and teachers at all levels and remedial action may be performed to rectify these flaws.