Philosophy of Learning

Training at Calvary University is based on the Objective Directed Learning (ODL) system. The aim of ODL is skills training. A skill is defined as that which the learner can do to perform a work-related task.

Mere understanding is, therefore, not a skill. The learner must go beyond understanding to the application of knowledge in order to achieve a job-related task. In the context of business management, health care, communication, or ministry, this boils down to things such as:

• Performing a function
• Rendering a service
• Demonstrating a competency

A set of skills required for a specific career is known as a competency and a qualification is the certification of such a competency. This requires continuous assessment in the form of self-evaluations, group evaluations, completion of assignments, demonstration in the use of technical apparatus, oral and written examinations, etc.

The advantages of Objective Directed Learning are the following:

• The emphasis is on the application and practical use of knowledge
• The training is job specific
• The learner works at his/her own pace
• Candidates may receive credits for informal and nonformal learning and work experience through RPL
• Training includes self development of the person since the person is trained in the development of skills
• Rote learning and mastering of content without understanding are no longer a burden.
• The final examination system is replaced by continuous assessment. This does away with the scare of final exams.

TOP