Mastery learning is a group-based, teacher-paced instructional strategy. Because it is also committed to criterion-referenced evaluation and to a strong emphasis on feedback and correctives throughout the learning experience, it is often confused with competency-based education, individualized instruction, and related innovations. Mastery learning…

Designed as an introduction to a symposium on the appropriateness of mastery learning as a technique of social studies instruction, this paper reviews research on the variables related to mastery learning in order to provide a basis for systematic symposium discussion. Brief research reviews are included on the following variables: materials,…

The interaction of mental ability and of two different instructional methods was investigated for a second grade linear metric curriculum unit. Mental ability was positively correlated with achievement under the guided discovery method, but essentially uncorrelated for the self paced mastery learning method. (Author/JKS)

Current syllabi and textbooks, in trying to cover every important idea, trivialize them all. The Coalition of Essential Schools believes that students will learn more if teachers are allowed to cover less. The advantages of a slower, thought-provoking curriculum, and recommendations for designing one, are provided. (BJV)

Reports on attempts to find alternative methods of group instruction. Discusses the use of mastery learning techniques and the need to improve the students' learning processes, the curriculum and instructional materials, and the home environmental support of the students' school learning. (CMG)

The purpose of this longitudinal study was to explore the impact of a direct reading instruction program, "Reading Mastery (RM)," on literacy performance of students over a five-year period. Initially, 700 students in grades K-3 were randomly selected from six elementary schools to participate in the study; an additional 100…

This textbook of English Grammar presupposes a certain amount of previous training in the theory and practice of English, and its specific place in the curriculum is to be found in the advanced grammar grades of public schools, though the book is also suited to the wants of high schools and academies. The author would state in a single sentence…

Attitudes of students, faculty, and recent graduates to a self-paced, self-instructional junior-level program using learning modules were significantly positive for all groups. Faculty stressed the need for continuing support, and older students and seniors were the most positively disposed group. (MSE)

Physical educators can help mainstreamed handicapped children by (1) preparing classmates to understand and accept disabled children; (2) avoiding practices that unintentionally embarrass the mainstreamed child; (3) building self-esteem through success; and (4) using mastery teaching and peer tutoring. Modifications of rules and equipment are…

Summarizes a study into the feasibility, problems, benefits, and implications of using mastery learning in teaching French to students in Scottish secondary schools. Examples are provided of target objectives, specimen test materials, progress cards, and class activity records, and implications on class organization are discussed. (EAO)

A group-based, teacher-paced mastery learning format was used to instruct students in two sections of an undergraduate course on teaching mainstreamed handicapped children. Students in these sections displayed greater achievement and higher motivation, measured by their number of absences, than did students taught the course by more conventional…

Results of modifying mastery learning strategy to two diagnostic cycles with high school chemistry students (N=156) indicated that achievement of mastery learning students was significantly greater than that on nonmastery learning students. Attitudes toward science/science instruction were not significantly different but were positive in both…

Mastery learning is a philosophically based approach to teaching and learning which focuses on effective individualized instruction in the group oriented classroom setting. This article discusses the development and application of mastery learning theory and its implications for teachers. (JN)

The "class trap" is defined as the problems which can arise when all students in the class are required to progress at the same rate. To illustrate this concept, a case study is presented of arithmetic instruction in a single class, then strategies to avoid the trap are outlined. (SJL)

Describes the use of an instructional model for composition involving five procedures: a rationale, instructional objectives, pre-assessment, learning activities, and evaluation. (MKM)