This study developed an approach to evaluating the appropriateness of student effort within a mastery instructional system and then investigated the interrelationship of achievement motivation, effort, and achievement in two college courses. Appropriate effort was strongly correlated with student achievement. (Author/RL)

This article discusses a study undertaken to evaluate self-instructional teacher training materials used at an inservice teacher workshop for mastery teaching. Finds from a survey of the 17 participating teachers indicated they valued many elements of the strategy and that they would adopt parts of the mastery teaching strategy for use in their…

A new approach for teaching veterinary pathology instituted at the University of Georgia in 1970 is evaluated. Each student was told what was required in the form of behavioral objectives, given alternate sources of information in the form of autotutorial minicourses, and evaluated by formative, summative and mastery means. (Author/MLW)

Significantly higher posttest achievement scores and more favorable unit evaluations were achieved in a secondary social studies unit using a feedback-corrective strategy with a manageable degree of specificity. This supports previous research that suggests the strategy is possible within a social studies area. (SB)

Detroit's minimum competency testing program focuses on improving basic skills instruction. Using test results as indicators of areas of weakness and strength in 12 subjects, teachers have a better understanding of the learning tasks and subskills needed for mastery. (WD)

Analyzes the procedures used in mastery learning to determine if they are consistent with those of the skills management approach to reading instruction. Concludes that they are not. (FL)

Summarizes a project that resulted in an experimental, multimedia, mastery learning course entitled "Writing for Industry." (MKM)

Schools have devised several ways to adapt instruction to a wide variety of student abilities and needs. Judged by criteria for what adaptive education should be, most learning for mastery programs look good. (Author/JM)

A procedure is described for the determination of individual mastery scores when instructional units are sequenced in a linear hierarchy. It can be used when data for the entire sequence have been obtained. The process entails working backwards, from the final test to the first. (Author/JKS)

Attempts to select empirically the optimal cutting score or criterion level for a test based on response data from validation samples of instructed and uninstructed students. This score maximizes the probability of correct mastery-nonmastery decisions (or minimizes the probability of incorrect decisions). (Author/RK)

Fixation on deviance and deficit in children with emotional/behavioral problems fosters greater alienation. Native American empowerment values show a better way: significance is nurtured in a community celebrating belonging; competence is ensured by giving all opportunities for mastery; power is available to all by cultivating independence; and…

Educators are questioning the validity of ability grouping. The benefits accruing to high achievers may not offset the stigma attached to the low-achieving groups. Alternatives to ability grouping include mastery learning, cooperative learning, and computer-aided instruction. More flexible grouping can help students develop cooperation and…

Describes a group-based mastery learning program emphasizing mandatory passing of an examination at the end of each unit. A student has four chances to earn a grade of 85 percent on each examination. Reports results for three semesters and includes evaluations from students and the instructor. Eight references are listed. (YP)

According to recent research, when teachers focus on higher mental processes (problem solving, application of principles, analytical skills, and creativity) within a mastery learning format, students' thinking skills and knowledge levels improve. Baltimore County (Maryland) and East Islip (New York) School Districts have programs integrating…

Describes Baltimore County (Maryland) Public Schools' integration of a mastery learning project for third and fourth graders begun in 1980 with a subsequent thinking skills project. The basic premises of each program (that students will learn well, given time and appropriate instruction) were similar. A sidebar illustrates the divergent…