Abstract
According to data for 2005 retrieved from the South African Department of
Education internet site, 3574.5 learners were registered nationally for ND in
the Chemical Engineering Technology field, while 278.33 diplomas were
issued, which translates into a graduation rate (throughput ratio) of 8%. This
can be compared to a 100% pass rate, where the graduation rate is 33%.
The SA YEARBOOK 2007/08 | EDUCATION contains the National Curriculum
Statement (NCS) for schools, which is built on a number of principles
including Outcomes Based Education (OBE). In 2008, school pupils are
expected to write the National Senior Certificate examination. Although the
National Plan for Higher Education (2001) does not mention OBE, academics
in higher education institutions have been required to convert their study
guides to OBE format and some (including the author) have received training
in OBE to become assessors.
A preliminary study was performed at UJ in 2006 to gauge whether OBE
methods could be implemented for large groups of learners. A test had been
written that most learners found challenging, leading to a high failure rate. A
supplementary assessment strategy based on OBE Formative Assessment
was conceptualised to allow learners to improve their marks. The main
findings of the preliminary study were that a large number of learners could be
accommodated in the Formative Assessments