Mastery Learning, a learning strategy which denies the inevitability of the normal grading curve, holds promise in skill-building courses. For a composition course using this strategy, course objectives must first be established and stated behaviorally, after which the course may be broken into learning units, each lasting perhaps two weeks. At…

Certain features of the PSI-proctor managed course and the traditional lecture course were merged to yield the Mastery Format. A study comparing the Mastery Format to other formats favors the former. (MP)

Describes the use of "Personalized System of Instruction" (P.S.I.) in the second semester of a first-year high school Chinese class that contained students of widely divergent ability levels. (KM)

In a study of mastery learning involving student teachers, it was found that in intense, short-term instructional systems, less specific remediation is appropriate, while more detailed remediation is better when there are few time constraints. (Ed)

Suggests teaching word attack skills using these steps: present, practice, apply, review, and re-review. (MKM)

Four studies examined the importance of student proctors and mastery performance in Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) programs. Results of the studies indicate that students will generally perform at the required level and that mastery of unit content is the most important element of PSI systems. (Author/AV)

Reports that both "good" and "poor" students benefited from the "Personalized System of Instruction" in a news writing course. (RL)

The Programmed Achievement Study System (PASS), based on positively reinforcing attempts at mastery, was introduced and empirically tested to determine its validity. It makes use of traditional learning principles by providing rewards (bonus points) contingent upon reaching specified mastery criteria. (Author/LBH)

Children's conceptions about literacy at the end of the first grade were studied. Children learned in one of three language arts curricula. Their skill levels were then compared, and suggestions were made for teachers to help children see reading and writing as holistic skills, beyond their functional necessity. (JL)

The article outlines a strategy called repeated reading which aids educable mentally handicapped and learning-disabled students in gaining mastery of reading skills. Repeated reading focuses on reading passages rather than single words and emphasizes reading rate. The article discusses the method's theoretical basis, empirical evidence, contextual…

Examines recent research to show that group-based mastery learning programs have consistently positive effects on student learning outcomes, including academic achievement, material retention, involvement in learning activities, and student attitudes. These programs also affect teachers and have considerable potential for implementation in regular…

The development of mastery learning theory is traced as a teaching-learning strategy and its application in five steps is discussed. Practical classroom concerns are considered and the implications for the teacher's changing roles are examined. (CL)

Discusses the planning, development, implementation, and course management required to use the Personalized System of Instruction in the basic speech communication course. (PD)

Many teaching methods investigated in higher education have been examined by social work educators, except for mastery learning. Mastery learning is a behavioral teaching method used successfully in higher education. Achievement is held constant and time allowed is varied, rather than holding time constant and allowing student achievement to vary.…

Describes a viable method of reading instruction that can be utilized by the small school teacher to lead 20 or 30 individuals to common goals and objectives at unequal rates. (AH)