Two experiments used two 2 x 3 x 2 (instructors x test forms x class times) designs to compare three aspects of student performance (mean final examination scores, homogeneity of variance, and retake frequencies) on three test forms. The test items on the three forms were arranged in three ways: (1) forward--items paralleled the presentation of…

Cognitive and affective data for about 200 college students taught by a self-paced testing method were compared with data for students taught by the traditional lecture method. Results corroborate contemporary experimental evidence concerning the determinants of achievement and indicate some advantages of the self-paced method. (Author/RD)

Twenty-six deaf adolescents received instruction in a structured program of cognitive education called "Instrumental Enrichment." The program addresses, among other processes, comparison, classification, logical progression, spatial orientation, analysis and synthesis, and syllogistic thinking. Following training, the subjects showed…

Programs for learning-disabled students generally emphasize basic skills acquisition, are highly individualized, use diagnostic-prescriptive methods, and are based on mastery learning principles. A more holistic approach is advocated and would include the content areas, systematic group interaction and instruction, experiential learning…

A comparison of three instructional methods (frontal lecture strategies, mastery learning strategies, and experiential mastery learning strategies) in a paramedical course showed that frontal lecture produced the highest scores on the lower mental process subtest while experiential mastery learning produced the highest scores on all measures of…

Research studies rarely describe teaching methods in enough detail for instructors to discern how these methods may be implemented in their classrooms. The essential elements of the mastery learning teaching method are considered in terms of how they can be adapted in the social work classroom. They can be implemented in whole or part and…

This study compared three instructional strategies for teaching music intervals to beginning music majors: programed instruction using a linear programed text; mastery learning using computer-assisted instruction (CAI); and self-practice using a textbook. Subjects were tested on immediate and delayed (48 hour) retention. Mastery learning by CAI…

Presents an overview of the basic features of two highly related models of college instruction; the Personalized System of Instruction and the Contingency Managed Lecture. Both are based on behavioral principles and have been tested and implemented on a large scale. (Author/JEG)

Examined were the effects of student cognitive entry behavior, prescribed mastery level, and information about criterion on mathematics achievement. Studied were 36 third graders assigned to four levels of being informed. Findings differed for children at low and high entry levels. (MNS)

Researchers used a fifth-grade videodisc fractions program to examine accountability in mastery learning programs. Four classes were randomly assigned to two treatments (those who were and were not aware of participation in mastery learning). Results revealed standardized mean differences for achievement favoring knowledge of being in the mastery…

A strategy called "jigsawing" is described for promoting group work, while ensuring that individual needs of pupils with severe learning difficulties are met. A group activity is broken down into smaller components and each child or group is assigned tasks toward achievement of the overall activity aims. (PB)

This study found that special education teachers (n=18) effectively integrated two feedback routines into their teaching: a teacher-delivered elaborated feedback routine and an elaborated feedback plus student-acceptance routine. The routines were equally powerful in reducing the number of trials to mastery for students with learning disabilities.…

The role of educational psychology classes is often implied because of its inclusion in most teacher education programs; however, the struggle over how to structure courses has often resulted in learning experiences that do not best meet the needs of all students. The major controversy centers on both the course content and methodology used by…

Students must be able to interpret, relate, and incorporate new information with existing knowledge and apply the new information to solve novel problems. Peer instruction is a cooperative learning technique that promotes critical thinking, problem solving, and decision-making skills. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that peer instruction…

This paper describes the design principles, instructional practices, and specific curricula of Direct Instruction--one example of focused, systematic, explicit instruction. At a time when public schools are increasingly held accountable for students' achievement and for closing and preventing the achievement gap between minority/disadvantaged and…