A Curriculum Challenge-The Need for Outcome (Competence) Descriptors

Area of Science:

• Education
• Professional Development

Background:

• Communication skills are well-theorised in education, but accountability is neglected.
• Lack of clear understanding of accountability hinders effective course design and achievement of professional expectations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare and contrast literature on communication skills and accountability as competency outcomes.
• To propose a model for selecting teaching and assessment strategies for accountability.

Main Methods:

• Literature review comparing communication and accountability outcomes.
• Development of a model for accountability based on students' sphere of influence.

Main Results:

• Accountability is less theorised than communication in educational literature.
• A model is proposed to guide the selection of teaching and assessment for accountability.

Conclusions:

• A clear understanding of accountability is crucial for effective course design.
• The proposed model can guide educators in developing student accountability.
• Addressing accountability ensures students meet professional and community expectations.