A criterion-referenced approach to a physical science course for nonmajors was implemented at Rhode Island Junior College. The basic unit of knowledge for this study was motion and the related topics of force, work, energy, power, and momentum. At completion, each student was expected to exhibit the ability to: (1) use energy more efficiently, (2)…

Summarizes research on instruction-related practices and policies and their implementation in effective urban schools. Discusses outcomes-based instruction, effective organizational arrangements for low achievers, instructional coordination, avoidance of overemphasis on lower order skills, operationalization of shared values, "organic"…

Describes an investigation of time as a learner variable in an individualized mode of health instruction where time was permitted to vary, hypothesizing that aptitude as measured by a standardized test could correlate more closely with time in instruction than with achievement where students were expected to reach criterion levels. (MBR)

Law schools should require excellence of all students, and mastery learning is a technique useful for structuring entire curricula or course segments to achieve high standards. A Rutgers course in contracts, torts, and legal research and writing developed to apply mastery learning strategies has proven successful. (MSE)

"Cooperative Student Instruction" (CSI) is a form of peer instruction providing reinforcement, immediate application, and personal attention to adult literacy and basic education students. CSI builds self-concept; the learner takes responsibility for his/her own education and that of others. Included are a model for lesson design and…

Explains how the audio-tutorial mastery learning system is applied to an introductory course in human geography. Describes the mastery learning procedures of self-pacing, explicitly stated objectives, and diagnostic tests. Considers possibilities of using procedures in more traditional instruction. Journal availability: see SO 507 262. (Author/CK)

Researchers compared psychomotor skill performance in isolation and in competitive game situations with seventh grade boys taught basketball using Bloom's mastery learning model or nonmastery procedures. Mastery subjects surpassed control and nonmastery groups on all skills performed in isolation. No significant differences existed in skill…

Discusses major outcome goals and proposes the use of a system of learning strategies and instructional procedures known as content enhancement with an academically diverse group of students, including gifted students with learning disabilities. Content-enhancing instructional routines focus on organization, understanding, recall, and application…

Taking a how-to approach and a British perspective, with numerous lists and examples, this book presents the concept of learning contracts negotiated agreements between learners and instructors to achieve a specific learning goal for university and continuing education teachers. The book is organized in four parts: Part 1 is an introduction; it…

While no one method can possibly solve all the problems in an educational system, the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) addresses many. The PSI method is a self-paced, mastery learning approach based on reinforcement and personal attention. It is typified by five characteristics that help to meet or minimize the adverse aspects of…

Instructions are given for developing and using mastery-based learning modules for individualizing instruction in physical education. Following a rationale for using individualized instruction in physical education, guidelines are offered for designing learning modules which include four parts: statement of learning objectives (purpose); delivery…

A study was conducted to explore first grade students' conceptions of reading and writing, and how those conceptions may be associated with and influenced by the type of reading instruction they receive. The study was conducted in three separate classrooms, each based upon theoretically different models of literacy learning: (1) a content-centered…

An instructional program to improve adolescent student mastery of real-life decision-making skills produced very positive results in terms of teacher comfort with the program and increased student performance. Five core skills for decision-making were the basis of the program: identification, selection and assessment of decision criteria,…

Few studies of mastery learning deal specifically with retention and transfer of learning or emotional outcomes. To determine whether learning for mastery students were better able than students in nonmastery classes to acquire higher academic self-concept scores, pre- and post-test scores on three affective measures were examined for 93 seventh…

The Tangipahoa Parish Migrant Education Program measures individual skill deficiencies with activities intended to reinforce and help students master or complete a particular skill. Designed to teach students to assume responsibility for the next step of achievement, skill activities and supplementary teacher materials are leveled, color coded,…