Activity 3: Spot the Error is a great interactive way to help participants recognize flaws in Course Outcomes (COs) or Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) and improve them using OBE principles.
🎯 Activity Objective
To help participants:
-
Identify common mistakes in writing COs and PEOs.
-
Practice correcting them using SMART and OBE-aligned guidelines.
-
Justify improvements with proper reasoning.
🧠 Activity Format: "Spot the Error"
Participants are given 4–6 flawed statements (mix of COs and PEOs).
Each group must:
-
Identify the error(s) in each statement.
-
Rewrite the improved version.
-
Provide a brief justification.
📚 Instructions for Participants
Read each given CO/PEO statement.
Spot what’s wrong (vagueness, no action verb, too broad, too narrow, lacks assessment focus, etc.).
Rewrite it properly.
Note your reasons for the changes.
💡 Facilitator Guidelines
Common Errors to Highlight
| Type of Error | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Vague wording | “Understand,” “Learn,” or no clear verb |
| Unmeasurable outcomes | Can’t be assessed or tracked |
| Too broad or too narrow | Not appropriate for CO (too broad) or PEO (too specific) |
| Non-aligned to taxonomy | Doesn’t follow Bloom’s verb hierarchy |
| Lacks focus or clarity | Covers multiple objectives in one |
| Not time-bound (PEOs) | Doesn't reflect post-graduation achievement |
📝 Sample Activity Sheet
| Type | Original Statement | Error Description | Improved Version | Justification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CO | Students will understand basic electronics. | Vague verb "understand"; unmeasurable outcome | Students will explain and apply basic electronic circuit principles. | Uses Bloom's verbs; measurable and assessable |
| CO | To develop a good personality. | Too broad; not assessable in course context | Students will demonstrate effective communication and teamwork in lab tasks. | Focuses on specific soft skills; observable outcomes |
| PEO | Students will master all AI tools and become leaders. | Unrealistic, vague, not time-bound | Graduates will demonstrate proficiency in AI technologies and take on leadership roles within 5 years of graduation. | Achievable and future-oriented; fits PEO scope |
| CO | Students will learn Java and Python in one semester. | Too specific and unrealistic for one course | Students will write and debug basic programs in an object-oriented language. | Keeps scope realistic; action-oriented |
🔄 Activity Flow (30–45 min)
-
Distribute worksheet with 4–6 flawed COs/PEOs.
-
Small group work (15–20 min): identify, correct, justify.
-
Group sharing (10–15 min): Present one or two revised statements.
-
Facilitator Feedback: Reinforce OBE principles and best practices.
✏️ Optional Template for Groups
| Statement No. | Original Statement | What’s Wrong? | Improved Version | Justification |
|---|
🗣️ Wrap-Up Discussion Prompts
-
What was the most common error you found?
-
How does rewriting help clarify course intent?
-
Why is measurability important in OBE?
Would you like a print-ready worksheet or editable Word/Excel format for this activity?
No comments:
Post a Comment