Abstract:
Outcomes based education (OBE) is a trend in higher education and is being adopted by state
universities in Sri Lanka. Arabic and Islamic studies are two study areas offered for the general and honours
degree programmes in Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities at state universities of Sri Lanka. The main focus
of this article is to investigate the integration of OBE in Arabic and Islamic study programmes offered by the
concerned faculties and departments at the four state universities namely: University of Colombo, University of
Peradeniya, Eastern University of Sri Lanka and South Eastern University of Sri Lanka. The article used the
qualitative approach and content analysis by reviewing the present curriculum and related documents and
analysis of interview responses of selected stakeholders based on purpose sampling technique. The findings
show that the outcomes-based education is, to a certain extent, integrated into the content driven Arabic and
Islamic study programmes, in line with the Sri Lanka qualifications framework (SLQF). The identified
outcomes change process and implementation of the outcome-based model are described in the curriculum.
Variations in the extent to which each faculty/department has implemented outcome-based education are
discussed and key points towards implementation are highlighted. However, the stakeholders identify a range of
challenges and obstacles in transitioning the study programmes and achieving the expected standards implied by
OBE model. Moreover, the curriculum design along with appropriate pedagogy and assessment strategies is to
be enhanced in attaining the intended outcomes. This research provides the understanding which may help the
policy makers and relevant authorities to make decisions on programme revision.
