The present study provides evidence that offering performance-contingent rewards promotes children's task accomplishments, percepts of efficacy, and skill development. These findings are consistent with predictions from Bandura's theory of self-efficacy. (Author/PN)

Describes a viable method of reading instruction that can be utilized by the small school teacher to lead 20 or 30 individuals to common goals and objectives at unequal rates. (AH)

Argues that there is often a variance between the curriculum approved by the school district and that delivered by the classroom teacher. Proposes mastery learning as a means of avoiding this variance. (FL)

Provides a basic model for instructional technology and discusses its applicability to community colleges. Reviews the role of mastery learning and competency-based instruction in reforming general education in the community college. Identifies the elements common to most successful instructional programs. (DMM)

Presents two new approaches to improving academic achievement in inner-city schools--group-based, mastery-learning reading instruction and curriculum alignment. Explains why fundamental school reform and incremental improvement, introduced in the 1970s, failed to yield consistent results. (Author/WD)

In this second section of a two-part interview, Benjamin Bloom discusses practical aspects of implementing mastery learning in the classroom and presents some evidence on its motivational effects. For part one of this interview, see EJ 224 682. (SJL)

The mastery learning methods developed by Ethna Reid at the Exemplary Center for Reading Instruction (ECRI) in Utah have been adopted by a fifth grade class in Allentown, New Jersey. This article briefly explains some of the techniques used in ECRI instruction. (SJL)

Reviews methods and materials for producing marketing and distributive education graduates who are employable. Discusses performance-based competencies and mastery learning. (JOW)

This is the first half of a two-part interview with Benjamin S. Bloom in which he speaks out on the place of mastery learning in the future of our educational system. (KC)

The author outlines a process, suitable to any grade level or subject, for forming small instructional groups for mastery learning. (SJL)

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine's personalized teaching system has the following features: students are provided with behavioral objectives prior to instruction; passing levels for tests are set in advance and are independent of class performance; and the program is divided into small units and students are tested frequently. (LBH)

Presents arguments in favor of competency-based general education within the context of a program developed at Central Technical Community College (Nebraska) which utilizes an open entry, open exit approach for all programs. Outlines suggested competencies in the areas of communications and oral communications. (MB)

The relative merits of several methods, Bayesian and classical, for the estimation of student mastery are investigated. (Editor)

Explores different ways individuals conceptualize quality learning in physics. Uses semi-structured interviews that explore aspects of learning that respondents regard as worth fostering in their classrooms. Discusses different respondent conceptions with regard to four significant aspects of physics learning: doing experimental work; linking…

Offers comments on articles in this special issue relating to critical theory, deconstruction, and postmodernism as they affect educational technology. Topics discussed include the modernist, positivist approach to educational technology; systems theory and instructional design; evaluating media for stereotypes; and mastery learning. (LRW)