Application of Outcome-Based Curriculum in Religious Studies: The Case of Madrasas in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The madrasah tradition is widely recognized by Muslims in Sri Lanka for its historical contribution to their education. However, the criticism is aimed at the quality of madrasah education, and relevance of madrasah studies to the community needs and its national development in Sri Lanka. The outcome-based Education is proposed as an approach to increase its quality of education and to target the national aspirations and benefits. This paper aims at examining OBE application in madrasah studies. The study is based on analyzed data from 98 responded madrasas to the survey and review of the related literature and documentary review of curriculum of the respondent madrasas. The findings show that the outcome-based curricula have not been in place in majority of the madrasas. However, it is in the initial proposing stage in some of the madrasas, studies of which base on the integrated system of education. The vast majority madrasas need to outline their aims and objectives of studies to identify the set of competencies intended for the graduates. This study is an academic discourse on long lasting Islamic traditional education system.