Perceived challenges and potential solutions of outcome-based education in an under-resourced context

Despite a rich body of literature on the challenges of implementing outcome-based education (OBE), there is a notable lack of knowledge about this topic in Afghanistan, particularly from the perspectives of EFL teachers. Thus, this study aimed to explore the challenges and potential solutions to implementing OBE from the viewpoint of EFL teachers in this under-resourced context. The study employed a qualitative approach, collecting data through semi-structured interviews with nine EFL teachers purposively selected from three public universities. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed several challenges and potential solutions for implementing OBE in Afghanistan. The challenges were primarily extrinsic or contextual, including resource inadequacy, curricular constraints, substandard training, and policy misalignment. In response, the study findings proposed a tripartite solution framework: (a) enhancement of teachers’ OBE professionalization, (b) allocation of dedicated OBE resources, and (c) OBE administrative institutionalization. The findings imply that the effective implementation of OBE requires addressing professional capacity, dedicated resources, and institutional policy as interconnected necessities rather than isolated reforms.