Almost all children can learn what the schools teach today, but, at present, only one-third of them do, says Benjamin S. Bloom, Charles H. Swift Distinguished Service Professor, University of Chicago. While the conventional system of group instruction is effective for some students and ineffective for others, he states that mastery learning…

The SIU School of Medicine has completed a five-year experience applying an objectives-based approach to an entire curriculum. This paper describes the instructional system and the procedures for monitoring, maintaining, and improving it and provides available outcome data. (Author/LBH)

By insisting that a student master a skill before progressing to a more complex task, a teacher can help that student build a firm foundation for further learning experiences. (JD)

Suggestions on how to apply mastery learning concepts to instructing high-risk college students are offered with examples from mathematics provided. Eighty-five specific guidelines from the Personalized Systematic Instruction Inventory (PSII) are included.

Describes the National Education Association's Mastery in Learning Project. The project was designed and piloted in six elementary and secondary schools in different regions of the United States in 1985-86. Plans have been made for a three-year demonstration project in 24 schools in 1986-87. Includes references. (MD)

A synthesis of findings from 46 studies on group-based applications of mastery learning strategies points out their positive effects on both cognitive and affective student learning outcomes as well as on several teacher variables. Variables affecting the success of mastery learning, such as choice of strategy, student grade level, and study…

The article describes the Direct Instruction Skills Plan, a comprehensive plan for direct and text-related reading skill instruction which places skill instruction prior to text reading. Steps include anticipatory set, objective and input, modeling, purpose setting and guided application, independent practice, checking for understanding, real-life…

Adopts a longitudinal design to track mother-child developmental change in infant task-related mastery and concomitant maternal behavior. Finds that, as infants gain more mastery across time, mothers gradually withdraw support in terms of concrete, specific and nonverbal means of instruction. Results support a one-step-ahead model for maternal…

The article presents a five-step model for implementing a consulting teacher model and effective interventions for mildly handicapped students in regular education settings. Interventions include principles of effective teaching, mastery learning, peer and cross-age tutoring, cooperative learning groups, and instruction in metacognitive learning…

The extent to which a teaching method that emphasizes Mastery Learning Strategies facilitates the learning of low and high socioeconomic status children in desegregated classrooms was studied. Participants were 117 seventh graders in desegregated mathematics classes in an Israeli junior high school. (BS)

An experimental program in New York City to improve the rate of success in first-year algebra is described. Students, teachers, techniques used, and Regents Examination results in the double-period class are described. (MNS)

Twenty-four measures of crystallized intelligence and fluid intelligence were obtained for samples of graduates and failures of an innovative instructional setting where computer-managed mastery learning was implemented to teach elementary electricity and electronics. Results suggest that some unconventional educational environments are not…

Outlines the process of mastery learning and the benefits it has for student attitude and achivement. (RK)

Examines the assumptions underlying mastery learning to identify contradictions between these assumptions and the pedagogy of humanistic education. Finds no such contradiction. Suggests reasons for humanities instructors' opposition or indifference to mastery learning. Reviews the strategies used in the City Colleges of Chicago's faculty…

Focuses on modifying personalized systems of instruction (PSI) by using competency unit testing instead of mastery testing. The algebra service courses at the University of Arizona are described. Includes data on student achievement. (MNS)