Addresses the questions of why and how school learning activities might be made more playlike. Suggests that the concept of flow and of mastery learning are linked. While this relationship must be tested empirically, it offers the possibility of improving teaching techniques. (CB)

Disusses three assertions regarding mastery learning in reading programs: (1) mastery learning is adopted to "legitimize" reading programs to the public; (2) schools cannot provide unlimited time for learning to read; and (3) thus, teachers are reduced to managers of materials and, with students, surrender control of their literacy. (HTH)

This study was intended to evaluate whether a recently proposed 2 x 2 achievement goal model could be replicated, and it aimed to evaluate whether students were more advantaged by pursuing one type of goal or a combination of goals. The achievement goals and graded performance of 1,213 undergraduates were studied at 3 time points during a semester…

Liberty (Missouri) Senior High School's Teacher Improvement Project required identifying effective teaching behaviors, having teachers select 15 behaviors for implementation, creating a process for assessing progress and providing feedback, and making resource personnel available. The article lists 21 effective teaching behaviors and identifies…

Learning disabled (LD) children were taught sight words with mastery learning strategies, and a comparison group with methods that are typically used in teaching sight words. Results suggest that most LD children can reach mastery on sight words within a reasonable time framework if sound remedial principles are applied consistently. (Author/BW)

Describes an automatic exercise-problem selection method which is based on the theory of Learning Diagnosis and Treatment (LDT). An optimum problem for each learner is identified by comparing the required readiness for the problem and the learner's mastery level. (Author/CMV)

Suggestions are made for directing students in a program of independent study. (JD)

No significant differences in handball knowledge and skill were found between traditional, contractual, and independent study methods of learning the sport. (MB)

Compares two learning strategies, cooperative learning and mastery learning, and indicates ways in which the two are natural complements to each other. Discusses four premises shared by the approaches and considers ways in which each approach helps solve implementation problems associated with the other. Research on the combined implementation of…

Potential pitfalls in implementing a competency-based, mastery model of computer-based training are mixing self-pacing and classroom instruction, failing to control entry and exit, failing to align curriculum, dealing with conflicting values about teaching, applying conventional test reliability measures to mastery tests, and coping with…

The most effective teachers have the fewest discipline problems. Instead of enlisting professional discipline gurus, principals should heed proponents of effective teaching and mastery learning. When the learning is meaningful, the motivation is provided, and the teaching is appropriate, behavior problems seldom occur. Includes seven references.…

Reports on a study designed to determine whether academic achievement of students taught in the cooperative group mastery mode would be different from the achievement of students who learn in an individualized method and to determine whether gains or losses would be seen in nonacademic outcomes such as social relations, self-esteem, and classroom…

An interview with the director of the recently established International Center on Outcome-Based Restructuring explains that outcome-based education focuses on defining, pursuing, and ensuring success with the same high-level outcomes for all students. (MLF)

One source of differences between the highest and lowest achieving children is the degree of self-regulated learning that occurs. High achievers engage in goal setting, planning, questioning, and other behaviors. By observing how children approach tasks and resisting the urge to "think for" less self-directed learners, teachers can help…