Comparison of two computer-assisted instructional vocabulary programs used with 25 learning disabled high school students indicated that the program utilizing smaller teaching sets and cumulative review exercises was more effective in helping students achieve mastery than the program using a large teaching set and no cumulative reviews. (Author/DB)

Twenty-six deaf adolescents received instruction in a structured program of cognitive education called "Instrumental Enrichment." The program addresses, among other processes, comparison, classification, logical progression, spatial orientation, analysis and synthesis, and syllogistic thinking. Following training, the subjects showed…

Programs for learning-disabled students generally emphasize basic skills acquisition, are highly individualized, use diagnostic-prescriptive methods, and are based on mastery learning principles. A more holistic approach is advocated and would include the content areas, systematic group interaction and instruction, experiential learning…

This study analyzed a remedial education program that allocated 30 minutes of additional instruction in remedial math and science per day to underachieving students. Results showed that increasing instructional time alone without varying the content does not necessarily increase student achievement in remedial programs. (TE)

Describes a system recently implemented in a Utah school system which uses computer technologies to promote and monitor mastery learning. Discusses the development of the system, including the search for appropriate hardware and software, and the training of teachers to use the system. (TW)

A test score can be used for individual instructional diagnosis after determining whether: (1) difficulty of the test items was consistent with the complexity of the content measured; (2) items measuring the same underlying process were about equally difficult; and (3) partial credit scoring would increase the reliability of the diagnosis. (LMO)

This study compared 46 teachers who were trained in and implemented mastery learning techniques with 50 similar teachers who were not trained to see if mastery learning changed the explanations they offered for their effectiveness. The results are set forth and implications for staff development are drawn. (Author/MT)

Alternative approaches to education can work well if they are based on common sense and sound research. Recent research findings are reported for alternative approaches to three areas: curriculum, testing and measurement, and instruction. (TE)

A comparison of three instructional methods (frontal lecture strategies, mastery learning strategies, and experiential mastery learning strategies) in a paramedical course showed that frontal lecture produced the highest scores on the lower mental process subtest while experiential mastery learning produced the highest scores on all measures of…

Discusses frustrations teachers encounter when faced with mastery-based instruction, and how microcomputers can be effective in mastery testing, freeing teachers from all but instructional duties. Other unexpected benefits of microcomputer use relating to record keeping, teacher role, and multiple choice tests are outlined. (MBR)

Presents an investigation of the benefits of mastery learning strategies for adults with mathematics skill deficiencies. Examines which student types benefit most from mastery learning, centering on affective characteristics. Demonstrates that students with low self-concept, control, and instructional mastery skills had higher achievement in…

Instruction in flexible groups at the Center School accommodates variability in student achievement and aptitude, increases time targeted to specific needs, addresses fairly large groups, reduces the problems of individualized instructional systems, and offers curricular units sequenced according to a hierarchy of skills and concepts, with…

Describes 10 methods of assessment that teachers can use alone or in combination: (1) multiple marking, (2) peer evaluation, (3) mastery learning, (4) contracted learning, (5) credit/no credit grading, (6) self-evaluation, (7) anecdotal records, (8) pupil profiles, (9) checklists, and (10) dossiers. (FL)

Research studies rarely describe teaching methods in enough detail for instructors to discern how these methods may be implemented in their classrooms. The essential elements of the mastery learning teaching method are considered in terms of how they can be adapted in the social work classroom. They can be implemented in whole or part and…

An inexpensive computer-based system supporting mastery instruction is described. Components include an optically scanned card accommodating scores for hand-scored portions of examinations, software for making objective items and scoring, and software for reporting total test scores and designated subscore sets. Subscores can be provided for…