Implementing an outcomes-based approach to university essay writing

In this article we present a case study to illustrate and reflect on the process of developing an outcomes‑based approach to essay writing in a university Economics 101 course. We argue that lecturers need support in the process of changing curricula and developing student writing to meet outcomes-based education policy and course requirements. Implementing an outcomes‑based approach to essay writing proved to be more complex than the lecturer initially anticipated and challenges like making outcomes and marking criteria explicit, changing marking feedback, and improving student essay writing, surfaced during the process. The lecturer reflects on these aspects and how she developed and implemented a second essay‑writing task. The teaching assistant and students' feedback are also discussed. The lecturer's reflections and comments are indicated by indentation. South African Journal of Higher Education Vol.15(3) 2001: 194-20