Implementation of Outcome-Based Education in Higher Education Curricula: A Comparative Study of Student Empowerment at UNNES and Chulalongkorn University

All Fine Loretha; Mintarsih Arbarini; Bagus Kisworo; Arini Dwi Cahyani; Rendi Agung Febrianto

doi:10.37680/qalamuna.v18i2.8165

Authors

All Fine Loretha Universitas Negeri Semarang
Mintarsih Arbarini Universitas Negeri Semarang
Bagus Kisworo Universitas Negeri Semarang
Arini Dwi Cahyani Universitas Negeri Semarang
Rendi Agung Febrianto Universitas Negeri Semarang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37680/qalamuna.v18i2.8165

Keywords:

Outcome Based Education (OBE), non formal education, lifelong learning, higher education curriculum, sister curriculum

Abstract

As higher education systems worldwide face increasing pressure to demonstrate measurable learning outcomes and respond to changing societal and labor-market needs, Outcome-Based Education (OBE) has become increasingly important for curriculum transformation. This study analyzes OBE implementation in the Non-Formal Education Program at Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), Indonesia, and the Lifelong Learning Program at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, focusing on implementation strategies, challenges, and opportunities. Using a qualitative comparative case study, data were collected from lecturers, students, program managers, and alumni through interviews, observations, curriculum document analysis, and focus group discussions, and analyzed using the Miles and Huberman interactive model and cross-case comparison. Findings show that UNNES implements OBE with reference to the Indonesian National Qualifications Framework (KKNI), emphasizing local needs and community empowerment, whereas Chulalongkorn University integrates OBE within a lifelong learning framework characterized by credit flexibility, Recognition of Prior Learning, and alignment with the ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework (AQRF). Both institutions face challenges related to authentic assessment consistency, faculty preparedness, and diverse student backgrounds. Nevertheless, international collaboration, portfolio-based assessment, and sister-curriculum development offer significant opportunities. The study demonstrates how institutional contexts shape OBE implementation and contributes to developing adaptive, inclusive, and student-empowering higher education models in Southeast Asia.

References

Al Aluf, W. (2024). Analisis Kebutuhan Pembelajaran Di Madrasah Ibtidaiyah: Penyesuaian Karakteristik, Kurikulum, Capaian Dan Media Pembelajaran Sesuai Kebutuhan Peserta Didik. Pendas: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Dasar, 9(4), 436–454.

Ali, Q. I. (2024). Towards more effective summative assessment in OBE: a new framework integrating direct measurements and technology. Discover Education, 3(1), 107.

Ali, R., & Jamin, H. (2025). Curriculum development strategy based on Outcome Based Education (OBE) to improve the quality of education in higher education. Journal of Education and Religious Studies, 5(02), 103–109.

Artha, I. K. A. J., Yulianingsih, W., & Cahyani, A. D. (2022). Implementation of Managerial Competencies for PKBM Managers in Community Empowerment Program. International Journal of Education and Learning Systems, 7.

Artha, I., Yulianingsih, W. W., & Cahyani, A. D. (2023). Conceptual training models in improving competence of community learning center managers. International Journal of Instruction, 16(3), 221–244. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2023.16313a

Awashreh, R. (2026). Reassessing university education effectiveness and student motivation: pathways, employability, and the evolving role of higher education. SN Social Sciences, 6(2), 31. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43545-026-01314-x

Cabrera, D., Valath Bhuan Das, S. K., & Cabrera, L. Y. (2025). The Thinking Quotient (TQ): Further Validation of a Skill-Metric for Thinking. Journal of Systems Thinking, 5(1), 1–18.

Cahyani, A. D., Riyanto, Y., & Karwanto, K. (2025). The influence of management innovation, school ethos and community engagement on school quality. Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology, 9(5), 718–731. https://doi.org/10.55214/25768484.v9i5.6985

Dhandi, G. (2025). Outcome Based Education (OBE) System for Theological College. Mahabbah: Journal of Religion & Education, 6(1), 28.

Duchatelet, D., Cornelissen, F., & Volman, M. (2024). Features of experiential learning environments in relation to generic learning outcomes in higher education: A scoping review. Journal of Experiential Education, 47(3), 400–423.

Ghosh, S., & Sankar, C. S. (2025). Outcome-Based Teacher Education: A New Era in Teacher Preparation. The Journal of Quality in Education, 15(25), 36–54.

Gustiawan, W., Sari, M. P., & Septivani, M. D. (2025). MENGGAGAS PARADIGMA BARU KURIKULUM: Strategi, Inovasi, dan Implementasi dalam Transformasi Pendidikan Vokasi. PENERBIT KBM INDONESIA.

Hakim, A. L., Fil, S., Lisni Hastuti Harahap, S. P., Sudiansyah, M. P., Safitri, C., Sari, N. P., & Wibowo, T. S. (2023). Literasi dan Model Pembelajaran: Kunci Terampil di Era Revolusi 4.0. Penerbit Adab.

Hanafiah, H., Arinindyah, O., Nurhayati, W., Nurhidayah, N., & Zawirrahmi, Z. (2024). Outcome-Based Education sebagai Pendekatan Transformasi dalam Pengajaran Kewirausahaan: Studi Kasus di Perguruan Tinggi. Jurnal Educatio FKIP UNMA, 10(4).

Jaya, D. J., Sudira, P., Raharjo, N. E., Wagira, W., & Wijanarka, B. S. (2025). Outcome-Based Education (OBE) Approach in Vocational Education: Strategies, Advantages, and Challenges in Indonesia. Papeles: Revista de La Facultad de Educación Universidad Antonio Nariño, 17(33), 57.

Juarsa, O., & Kalsum, U. (2025). Trends and challenges of implementation of outcome-based education (OBE) curriculum: A literature review. Proceedings of the International Conference OCERI, University of Bengkulu, Indonesia, 1(1), 87–100.

Keo, V., Hak, C., Lan, B., Khong, R., Neang, S., & Hoeurn, S. (2025). Implementing outcome-based education in higher education: Challenges and benefits. International Journal of Educational and Psychological Sciences, 3(5), 511–530.

Khasanah, S., Wulandari, A., Salim, N., Amalia, K., & Khamidi, A. (2025). Pengelolaan Ekstrakurikuler Kewirausahaan Tingkatkan Prestasi Non-Akademik Siswa dan Branding Sekolah. JIIP-Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Pendidikan, 8(2), 2226–2231. https://doi.org/10.54371/jiip.v8i2.7111

Kumar, S. (2025). Education 4.0: Transforming learning for the fourth industrial revolution. Higher Education for the Future, 12(2), 144–162.

Leong, D. C. P. (2022). Outcome-based education in open distance learning: A study on its implementation amidst the pandemic. Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (MJSSH), 7(9), e001747–e001747.

Mason, A., Lee, R., & Network, N. T. A. (2022). Six ways population change will affect the global economy. Population and Development Review, 48(1), 51–73.

Murtadho, F., Boeriswati, E., & Parai, H. (2023). Pengembangan Kurikulum. Penerbit Adab.

Muzakir, M. I. (2023). Implementasi kurikulum outcome based education (Obe) dalam sistem pendidikan tinggi di era revolusi industri 4.0. Edukasiana: Journal of Islamic Education, 2(1), 118–139.

Nguyen, C. H., Nong, H. H. T., Saynavong, N., & Nguyen, S. T. (2024). Implementing outcome-based education in higher education programs: A multiple case study in Vietnam and Laos. Vietnam Journal of Education, 112–120.

Novrizal, N., & Muhammad, R. R. (2025). Design Curriculum Based on Outcome Based Education (OBE): Preparing Work Ready Graduates. Edukasiana: Journal of Islamic Education, 4(1), 374–384.

Pahleviannur, M. R., De Grave, A., Saputra, D. N., Mardianto, D., Hafrida, L., Bano, V. O., Susanto, E. E., Mahardhani, A. J., Alam, M. D. S., & Lisya, M. (2022). Metodologi penelitian kualitatif. Pradina Pustaka.

Patriasih, R., Yogawati, N. D., Prayogi, A., Sukmawati, W. S., Walid, A., Febriani, L., Asmara, A., Nefianthi, R., Putra, E. S., & Cahyono, D. (2025). Membangun Pendidikan Berkualitas: Dari Pedagogi Hingga Teknologi. PT. Nawala Gama Education.

Pramesti, K. D., Meisya, N. I., & Amrillah, R. (2024). Relevansi lulusan perguruan tinggi dengan dunia kerja. An Najah (Jurnal Pendidikan Islam Dan Sosial Keagamaan), 3(4), 236–243.

Rachmawati, A. L., Aminnudin, A., & Kartimi, K. (2024). Optimalisasi Penilaian Berbasis Kelas dan Pengembangan Tes untuk Meningkatkan Literasi Siswa SDIT Wadi Fatimah Cirebon. Ar-Rayyan: Journal Of Islamic Education, 1(2), 102–115.

Royani, R., Fahrudin, R., Syatifa, A. F., & Astuti, E. D. (2025). Impact of Outcome-Based Education on Graduate Readiness in the Era of Globalization through International Benchmarking: Pengaruh Outcome-Based Education (OBE) terhadap Kesiapan Lulusan di Era Globalisasi Studi Benchmarking Internasional. ADI Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, 5(2), 129–139.

Salim, M. A., Simanjuntak, A., Arasid, N. S., Putri, I. M., Suhada, S., & Cahyono, D. (2025). Strategy to Improve Higher Education Quality through OBE and Benchmarking: Strategi Meningkatkan Kualitas Pendidikan Perguruan Tinggi dengan OBE dan Benchmarking. ADI Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, 5(2), 140–149.

Saputro, A., & Shovmayanti, N. A. (2024). Perspektif sebagai Pengembangan Literasi Media Digital Mahasiswa. ANALOGI Jurnal Ilmu Sosial Dan Humaniora, 2(1), 18–30.

Sholeh, A., & Murhayati, S. (2025). Pendekatan outcome-based education dalam kurikulum Pendidikan Agama Islam: Studi implementasi dan evaluasi. Takuana: Jurnal Pendidikan, Sains, Dan Humaniora, 4(1), 121–135.

Siregar, Z. A. B., Kadir, A. K., Muhibbudin, M. M., & Jannah, R. J. (2026). Analysis of Learning Assessment Suitability with Learning Outcomes in the Implementation of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) Curriculum. Jurnal Eduscience, 13(1), 51–63.

Suminar, T., Sutarto, J., Siswanto, Y., & Cahyani, A. D. (2025). Creating a technopreneurship-based life skills education model with methods of project-based learning. Aptisi Transactions on Technopreneurship (ATT), 7(2), 567–581. https://doi.org/10.34306/att.v7i2.576

Susanto, A., & Yohana, Y. (2025). Pengaruh Keragaman Individu Terhadap Proses Pembelajaran Dan Pengajaran. Aktualita: Jurnal Penelitian Sosial Keagamaan, 15(1), 1–15.

Wardana, R. I., & Magriasti, L. (2024). Analisis ekonomi politik dan gender: Studi kasus peran perempuan dalam pembangunan ekonomi di Indonesia. Multiverse: Open Multidisciplinary Journal, 3(1), 40–46. https://doi.org/10.57251/multiverse.v3i1.1381

Wynda, H. (2025). The Transformasi Pendidikan Tinggi: Mengasah Soft skills untuk Menjawab Tantangan Kerja di Era Society 5.0. Jurnal Sains Sosio Humaniora, 9(1), 91–102.

Yelfi Dewi, S. (2022). Teori Belajar dan Pembelajaran Berdasarkan Taxonomy Bloom. Inovasi Pembelajaran Yang Berorientasi Pada OBE (Outcome-Based Education) Di Pendidikan Tinggi, 35.

Yusup, M., Sihotang, S. V., Sunengsih, M., Devi, L., & Sunarya, P. A. (2025). Optimizing graduate competitiveness through service with mathematical economics and obe: Optimalisasi daya saing lulusan melalui pengabdian dengan matematika ekonomi dan obe. ADI Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, 5(2), 92–103.