Final-year computer studies students in an expert systems class were given conventional tutorials, computerized tutorials, and computer tutorials with a mastery class. Both groups using tutorials out performed the control group; however, no statistically significant difference was found between groups using computer tutorials. Concludes that…

The activities of a teacher who developed and piloted an eclectic model in an eighth grade mathematics classroom are described. Peer tutoring, cooperative learning, and mastery learning elements were selected and combined into a classroom program designed to increase student mathematics success. (KR)

Two staff members working in different preschools received training in the form of instructions, modeling, immediate feedback, and social reinforcement of good performance. Effects of training were assessed with a multiple baseline ABCDCDCD design. Correct use of basic behavioral teaching techniques increased from 16-31% to 92-95% and the rate of…

This study examined the role of the university lecturer in fostering the interplay between motivation, confidence, and cognition in students. The focus is on two theoretical frameworks: achievement goal theory for the motivational and confidence aspects and Vygotskian theory for aspects concerning educational development. Achievement goal theory…

A description is provided of a project that was conducted to design, implement, and evaluate traditional and guided-practice instructional modules for independent learning of word processing skills. After an overview of the project, the report outlines the following steps in module development: identifying an instructional goal, conducting an…

Three major approaches to the use of computers in education are examined, serious limitations of each are presented, and questions are raised as to the efficacy of technologolizing education. The drill and practice approach is shown to embody a deterministic, behavioral technology that turns learning into a systematically-designed and…

To learn correct grammar, developmental students must practice writing correctly. However, the traditional exercises offered in handbooks, workbooks, and textbooks not only fail to provide habituation in correctness, they actually provide practice in "wrongness." Instead of isolating individual problems, they promote confusion by linking them.…

The Personalized System of Instruction (PSI), a system that combines the strengths of basic learning, individual instruction, and personalized relationships, all at low cost, is an attractive alternative for the basic speech communication course. It involves mastery learning, self-pacing, stress on the written word, instructor assistants, and the…

This report synthesizes findings emerging from research on mastery learning. Thirty-three documents were retrieved and analyzed for the report. The documents were concerned with mastery learning research at various levels, from elementary through postsecondary education. Specific subject areas which were the partial or total focus of the reports…

The degree of influence instructor tutoring had on the performance of Black Hawk College sociology students was studied along with the question of whether students expressed a change in the degree of preference for the mastery approach when an instructor was actively involved in the learning process. Two classes were used: one during spring 1976…

Social studies teachers face pressures from demands for greater emphasis in the areas of multicultural aspects of the world population, expansive technological changes, citizenship and moral education, and accountability for basic competence. The latter demand offers an opportunity to return to the broad perspective of teaching students not "what…

Vocational-technical students (n=92) and liberal arts students (n=156) were the subjects of a study conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of four instructional strategies intended to produce mastery. Strategies employed were: traditional instruction with no make-up exams; unlimited make-up exams with end of semester deadline; unlimited make-up…

One purpose of this paper is to describe how the concept of statewide minimum standards has been used in other states and to suggest precisely how it should be used in New Jersey. Current New Jersey law requires districts to establish pupil proficiency levels in basic skills, to identify children who fall below them, and to provide those children…

Asserts that teachers should help students develop learning strategies, and describes how teachers' actions can increase students' success. Notes that, if students are given a "second chance" at completing their tasks, their chances of achieving academic success are improved. (MM)

The mastery approach was taken with physical education majors at the sophomore level. The approach was based on several considerations which included the achievement of a minimum competency level. The students were allowed to select one of three options to achieve this level. (JN)