A community college intermediate algebra course was taught using four-person student teams and self-pacing according to Bloom's mastery learning model. The instructor assisted teams and lectured when necessary. Positive attitudes and 90-100 percent mastery resulted. Most students would have probably completed the one-semester course in two…

This paper reports the methods and philosophy used in developing a mastery learning model at the University of Missouri-Columbia to insure that allied health students in the physical therapy and occupational therapy programs learn the concepts of anatomy essential to the rest of the curriculum. (MF)

A criterion-referenced measuring instrument was developed from a national survey of quantitative skills/concepts required by entering first grade students and individually administered to 273 children three to six and one-half years of age. By comparing mastery age of each of the 153 skills/concepts, sequential patterns of development were made…

Competency-based vocational education is defined and broken down into ten basic components (e.g., developing occupational inventories, needed materials, and lesson plans; analyzing occupational survey data and existing materials; updating the task analysis; and revising). Pointers for checking the system and moving it to higher levels of…

Benjamin S. Bloom claims in his new book, "Human Characteristics and School Learning", that any child can learn anything taught in school, given enough time and quality teaching. Author does not share his optimism. (Editor/RK)

Notes that the Cuban method of teaching reading is similar to the Soviet approach but also has much in common with the mastery-oriented strategies of North America. Examines similarities and differences. (FL)

Describes study of undergraduates at Florida State University that examined whether the criteria for mastering unit quizzes in a mastery-oriented course should increase, decrease, or remain fixed across units. Hypotheses tested are discussed, results of unit quiz performance and final examination performance are analyzed, and student attitudes are…

The graded test movement is currently attracting interest in the United Kingdom as a possible alternative to existing public examinations. Three key features of graded tests are: (1) emphasis on student success; (2) a progressive sequence of levels; and (3) tasks to be mastered by candidates being clearly specified. (LMO)

New information technology promises greatly improved education and might increase speed, mastery, and independence in learning. Much of what is now taught in college could be learned earlier, later, and elsewhere. Eliminating the geographic imperative of education, financing new forms of higher learning, and future institutions are discussed. (MLW)

Discusses the teacher accountability movement in relation to the implementation of teacher-centered mastery approaches in effective schools. Focuses on schoolwide issues, instructional support personnel, institutional support mechanisms, mastery learning, and school district accountability plans that promote student learning of high-level…

Suggests a microcomputer/mastery-learning combination for more effective use of teacher time and management of records, tests, grading, and student directions. Mastery learning is discussed along with the many advantages microcomputers can provide toward this goal. (DH)

Developers of high stakes criterion-referenced tests are urged to formulate test tasks so that efficient instruction can promote student mastery of the domain. Time-on-task has been promoted by instructional psychologists as preferable to test teaching. (DWH)

The cognitive and affective learning of students was investigated under three different quality of instruction conditions: conventional group instruction, mastery learning, and tutoring. The study also examined whether qualities of instruction which are adaptive to individual learning needs alter the relation between initial student…

Describes a self-paced, computer-managed course on internal medicine for medical students at the University of South Dakota. The rationale for using a computer-based system is outlined, and the program is evaluated for cost-effectiveness, currency of information, curriculum goals and objectives, and student attitudes. (EAO)

Describes the implementation and impact of a two-semester mastery-oriented astrophysics sequence for upper-level physics/astrophysics majors designed to handle flexibly a wide range of student backgrounds. A Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) format was used fostering frequent student-instructor interaction and role-modeling behavior in…