This study examined the relationship between two independent variables, mastery and aptitude, on two dependent variables, achievement and retention. Aptitude was measured by administering the word meaning section of the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. Achievement and retention were measured by a researcher-constructed test. The study involved 17…

The effects of an individualized mastery instructional system similar to the Keller plan was compared with a conventional lecture-discussion-recitation system in mathematics courses. In general, the superiority of achievement and attitude outcomes claimed for the Keller plan in many reports was not observed in this study. (Author/RL)

Results of a study of 117 eighth-grade math students suggest: mastery-based methods were more effective than non-mastery methods in improving lesson achievement; computer-based and traditional delivery systems are of greatest value when complementing each other; and student attitudes were only nominally affected by various treatments. (IAH)

Awareness of the need for more effective instruction for heterogeneous groups of students has resulted in the development of the "mastery learning" model through which students are provided with the additional time necessary to achieve mastery of the content to be learned. The mastery learning model does not, however, provide a…

Mastery learning can be described as a set of group-based, individualized, teaching and learning strategies based on the premise that virtually all students can and will, in time, learn what the school has to teach. Inherent in this description are assumptions concerning the nature of schools, classroom instruction, and learners. According to the…

This doctoral thesis analyzes the effect of mastery and nonmastery teaching procedures upon student achievement and attitudes in an introductory college-geography course. Mastery learning is the teaching strategy where each segment of materials must be mastered before instruction can begin on the next segment. A classroom lecture-discussion method…

An individually-paced, open-entry/open-ended mastery learning approach for a state-wide civil engineering technology curriculum was developed, field-tested, and evaluated. Learning modules relying heavily on audiovisuals and hands-on experience, and based on 163 identified competencies, were developed for 11 courses in the curriculum. Written…

A New Jersey elementary school's new instructional program, based on a holistic concept of brain function called Proster Theory, is described. Attendant changes in class organization and teacher roles are discussed. (MCG)

Computer-based adaptive instructional strategies for concept learning were investigated. Selection of the number of examples according to on-task information was more efficient than pretask or pretask plus on-task information. A response-sensitive strategy was preferable to a response-insensitive strategy to determine the presentation order of…

Discussion of personalized instruction focuses on reading education and presents a systems model for teachers called a Teacher System for Personalized Instruction (TSPI). Topics discussed include diagnosing the needs of the learner; self-paced learning; motivation; achievement; mastery learning; evaluation plan; and cognitive, affective,…

Describes a study of the effects of mastery learning strategies, interactive video mathematics, individualized instruction, and traditional lectures on community college student achievement, comparing outcomes by instructional method and student characteristics. Finds higher achievement for mastery learning and video methods and for adults 22…

With the assistance of East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma, the Indianola Public Schools in Oklahoma developed a computerized curriculum management system (CMS) to aid in curricular planning and evaluation. Using CMS, teachers can implement findings associated with the effective schools research by delineating and communicating the goals and…

Schools fail to develop students' unique capabilities mainly because of large-group instruction limitations. Mutual Instruction (MI), a comprehensive peer assistance program involving all students in cross-age tutoring and counseling, is a sound and practical approach to restructuring the conventional lock-step, assembly-line program. Teaching--or…

In a program of Individually Prescribed Instruction (IPI), where a student's progress through each level of a program of study is governed by his performance on a test dealing with individual behavioral objectives, there is considerable value in keeping the number of items on each test at a minimum. The specified test length for each objective…

An examination of any school curriculum would reveal the existence of "basic" subjects such as reading, writing, and computation. Therefore a "return to basics" is not needed but rather a change in methodology in teaching these subjects. The following methodological changes are suggested: (1) Test each child to ascertain the level of achievement…