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…

When a lecture course seems to be unsatisfactory, a systematic analysis of its content, objectives, and learner characteristics may prove helpful in selecting a more appropriate teaching-learning method. A model for such a process is examined. (CT)

The Learning for Mastery approach is clearly more effective than traditional instruction, but individualized programs are better than group-based ones. Students master more objectives with mastery learning because their level of participation is higher. (Author)

Research evidence shows that mastery learning is much more effective than conventional methods; however, it is not yet known whether it works equally well for all kinds of learning and for all kinds of students. (Author/JM)

Described is the use of six self-paced mastery learning units dealing with fundamental concepts found to be difficult for first-year college chemistry students. (CS)

Mastery learning techniques were improved through mathematics instruction based on a validated learning hierarchy, presenting tasks in a sequence consistent with the requirements of the hierarchy, and requiring learners to demonstrate achievement before being allowed to proceed. (Author/GDC)

University students given performance objectives, diagnostically tested, and given immediate feedback are compared with students who receive no objectives and are not diagnostically tested. Students' attitudes toward instruction are evaluated following diagnostic testing. (Authors/SA)

Time to learn, intelligence, and school achievement were correlated for fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade children. Time to learn was a strong correlate of school achievement. Correlations were lower between time to learn and IQ, and between IQ and achievement. (Author/RD)

Examined economic concept learning and retention in 121 first and second graders who were randomly assigned (stratified by grade) to 1 of 4 instruction conditions: cooperative learning, mastery learning, cooperative-mastery learning, or control treatment. Found on posttest and delayed posttest that cooperative-mastery method was superior to other…

The principal of a grade 3-5 intermediate school explains how he gained teacher acceptance of a new mathematics curriculum and instructional methods meeting National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards. To raise students' mastery scores, the principal worked with teachers from each grade to reexamine present practices, develop and test…

This report results from studies that tested two variations of Bloom's decreasing variability hypothesis using performance on successive units of achievement in four graduate classrooms that used mastery learning procedures. Data do not support the decreasing variability hypothesis; rather, they show no change over time. (SM)

Examined relationships between achievement goals, perceived motivational climate, and elementary and secondary students' self- reported mastery behaviors, noting age-related differences. Student surveys indicated that achievement goals and perceived motivational climate related to mastery behaviors, and those relations varied by age. Older…