Page 7 - LOCF

6 Learning Outcomes-based Curriculum Framework for Undergraduate Education

are intended to allow for flexibility and innovation in (i) programme design and syllabi
development by higher education institutions (HEIs), (ii) teaching-learning process, (iii)
assessment of student learning levels, and (iv) periodic programme review within a broad
framework of agreed expected graduate attributes, qualification descriptors, programme
learning outcomes and course learning outcomes.

The overall objectives of the learning outcomes-based curriculum framework are to:

= help formulate graduate attributes, qualification descriptors, programme learning
outcomes and course learning outcomes that are expected to be demonstrated by the
holder of a qualification;

= enable prospective students, parents, employers and others to understand the nature
and level of learning outcomes (knowledge, skills, attitudes and values) or attributes a
graduate of a programme should be capable of demonstrating on successful completion
of the programme of study;

= maintain national standards and international comparability of learning outcomes and
academic standards to ensure global competitiveness, and to facilitate student/graduate
mobility; and

= provide higher education institutions an important point of reference for designing
teaching-learning strategies, assessing student learning levels, and periodic review of
programmes and academic standards.

1.3 Key outcomes underpinning curriculum planning and development
The learning outcomes-based curriculum framework for undergraduate education is a
framework based on the expected learning outcomes and academic standards that are expected
to be attained by graduates of a programme of study and holder of a qualification. The key

outcomes that underpin curriculum planning and development at the undergraduate level
include Graduate Attributes, Qualification Descriptors, Programme Learning Outcomes,
and Course Learning Outcomes:

1.3.1 Graduate attributes
The graduate attributes reflect the particular quality and feature or characteristics of an
individual, including the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that are expected to be
acquired by a graduate through studies at the higher education institution (HEI) such as a
college or university. The graduate attributes include capabilities that help strengthen one’s
abilities for widening current knowledge base and skills, gaining new knowledge and skills,
undertaking future studies, performing well in a chosen career and playing a constructive role

as a responsible citizen in the society. The graduate attributes define the characteristics of a
student’s university degree programme(s), and describe a set of characteristics/competencies
that are transferable beyond study of a particular subject area and programme contexts
in which they have been developed. Graduate attributes are fostered through meaningful
learning experiences made available through the curriculum, the total college/university
experiences and a process of critical and reflective thinking.