Two studies examining the role of present and possible (future) academic selves are presented. In the first study, the relations between present and future selves, and changes in grade point average between the sixth and seventh grades, were examined. Results indicated that positive present and future academic self-concepts were related to…

Computer-based adaptive instructional strategies for concept learning were investigated. Selection of the number of examples according to on-task information was more efficient than pretask or pretask plus on-task information. A response-sensitive strategy was preferable to a response-insensitive strategy to determine the presentation order of…

Chicago's mastery learning program takes into account the complexities of reading and the realities of urban classrooms. Its designers say that if a program does not lead to success, it is not a mastery learning program. (Author/JM)

Describes one elementary principal's experience with implementing outcome-based education (OBE), which combines competency based education and mastery learning. The principal explains that he is not convinced that OBE is a worthwhile philosophy to pursue, and he lists problems and common objections from teachers and community members. (SM)

Discussion of personalized instruction focuses on reading education and presents a systems model for teachers called a Teacher System for Personalized Instruction (TSPI). Topics discussed include diagnosing the needs of the learner; self-paced learning; motivation; achievement; mastery learning; evaluation plan; and cognitive, affective,…

Mastery and performance goals can dramatically influence college students' self-regulated learning. These independent but complementary types of goals are shaped in important ways by how faculty organize and structure their classrooms for learning, particularly through the tasks assigned, development of student authority, and the focus of student…

Describes a method of teaching physics for mastery. The method includes writing assignments on journal sheets, discussions of major concepts by student teams, and individual mastery conferences using questions formulated around the results of the group discussions. Discusses the ramifications of using this method. (MDH)

Argues that current educational practices underestimate the magnitude of diversity in educational achievement and that disregarding diversity widens the range of differences. Reducing concern with grade-level achievement and increasing concern with academic mastery would have long-term educational benefits. Changes are proposed for elementary…

A dynamic measure (number of examples needed to reach mastery) predicted transfer but not maintenance of a learned strategy for 64 third graders trained by scaffolded (n=32) or nonscaffolded (n=32) methods. A static measure had some predictive utility in the nonscaffolded condition. The potential superiority of scaffolded instruction is discussed.…

School leaders can create an environment that supports highly effective beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors in teachers. Effective teachers believe every student has abundant, innate potential. Instead of watering down standards and expectations, they modify three key variables (time, grouping, and methodology) to help specific students achieve…

Describes a study of the effects of mastery learning strategies, interactive video mathematics, individualized instruction, and traditional lectures on community college student achievement, comparing outcomes by instructional method and student characteristics. Finds higher achievement for mastery learning and video methods and for adults 22…

Most of the research on motivation in education often uses measures taken outside the context of students' actual learning activities. This paper, however, maintains that students' motivation and learning are situated. Using a diary technique, this study explored how a class of high-achieving students in an Australian state high school (N = 34)…

A structural equation modelling analysis was used to test the mediating effect of achievement goal factors on the relationship between Egyptian adolescents' perception of parental involvement and academic achievement. The perception of Parental Involvement Scale and Achievement Goal Questionnaire was administered to a sample of 255 first-year…

Traditional continuing medical education (CME) has been disconnected from the actual practice of medicine and has not focused on providing the most useful information in the most efficient way. Physicians have different information needs at different times. When asked at the end of a day of patient care, physicians will typically report having had…

Virtual reality is an immersive, interactive medium that manipulates the senses in order provide users with simulated experiences in computer-generated worlds. The visual design of virtual reality is an important issue, but literature has tended to stress the medium's instructional potential rather than setting forth a protocol for designing…