When students are taught to mastery, they become smarter, acquire information faster, and develop efficient strategies for learning. Teachers must have an understanding of what mastery is and how to achieve it in their students. However, teachers cannot teach to mastery without referencing the performance of their students. In addition, teachers…

The hypothesis in this study was that different types of multiple-goal learners would have different patterns of learning. A sample of 797 adult distance learners enrolled in different programs offered by a distance learning university in Hong Kong completed a questionnaire assessing their goals, use of strategies, motivational beliefs, and…

This article examines the literature on achievement effects of practical applications of grouped-based mastery learning in elementary and secondary schools. The review found no evidence to support the claim that mastery learning improves student performance on standardized achievement measures. (RB)

In this rejoinder, R. Slavin responds to a broad range of technical and philosophical issues about his use of best-evidence synthesis to research the effectiveness of mastery learning. (RB)

To eliminate the lack of systematic feedback in cooperative learning, this study used a 2 x 2 (Student Teams x Mastery Learning) factorial design to investigate the effects of student teams using mastery learning strategies on mathematics achievement of fifth-grade children. The results and their implications are discussed. (Author/MT)

This paper describes the elements that most clearly identify and are most critical to a mastery learning program. Ways in which teachers can easily and efficiently implement these elements in their teaching and practices are outlined, along with procedures for evaluating their effectiveness in improving student learning. A discussion is presented…

Responds to R. Slavin's best-evidence synthesis of research on mastery learning. Contends that at the heart of decisions about education are value judgments about how the mind should be cultivated and for what goal. (RB)

One source of differences between the highest and lowest achieving children is the degree of self-regulated learning that occurs. High achievers engage in goal setting, planning, questioning, and other behaviors. By observing how children approach tasks and resisting the urge to "think for" less self-directed learners, teachers can help…

Applying concepts from lower grades, the author applies whole-group differentiation concepts to middle and high school, showing teachers how it is possible to differentiate within the whole-group setting in which many educators are comfortable. By allowing everyone to participate in the same activities at different levels of complexity or mastery,…

This paper describes the basic elements of Mastery Learning, as outlined by Benjamin S. Bloom, and Mastery Teaching, as outlined by Madeline C. Hunter. It shows that while these two instructional approaches are clearly distinct, they can actually serve as complements to one another. In addition, each can bring added strength to the other such that…

Investigates the cognitive and affective student learning outcomes of 16 semesters of a mastery learning approach in teaching business and distributive education classes. Concludes that mastery learning does produce successful learning experiences for at least 80% of the students. Provides mastery learning teaching strategies. (SRT)

Discusses R. Slavin's best-evidence synthesis method as an alternative to traditional meta-analysis and review techniques. Explains the inherent weaknesses of the technique Slavin uses and how the techniques can be misused. (RB)

A general framework is presented to help understand the relationship between motivation and self-regulated learning. According to the framework, self-regulated learning can be facilitated by the adoption of mastery and relative ability goals and hindered by the adoption of extrinsic goals. In addition, positive self-efficacy and task value beliefs…

Proposes a neural network model for an intelligent tutoring system featuring adaptive external control of student pacing. An experiment was conducted, and students using adaptive external pacing experienced improved mastery learning and increased motivation for time management. Contains 66 references. (JKP)

Cell death is an essential factor in many biological processes including development. Discusses two types of cell death: (1) necrosis (induced by sodium azide); and (2) apoptosis (induced by sodium chromate). Illustrates key features that differ between these two types of cells death including loss of membrane integrity and internucleosomal DNA…