An individualized, undergraduate degree program at Central Michigan University offers a variety of instruction options to students whose career and personal circumstances limit their access to more traditional forms of higher education. The program, sponsored by the university's Institute for Personal and Career Development, is designed to accept…

Inability to learn to read is the major reason students fail or experience learning problems in their early school years. In an effort to solve the problem, the Glenwood, Minnesota, school district has developed an identification/intervention program entitled "The Prevention of Early Reading Casualties" (PERC) to prevent academic failure in…

The purpose of this study was to investigate two types of transfer of learning (application transfer and gains in aptitude) in a mastery learning instructional mode. Seventh grade students were assigned either to a learning for mastery instructional mode or to a control group in a conventional classroom. Although the content matter covered and…

In February and March 1979, students, faculty, and staff at South Oklahoma City Junior College were surveyed to determine their feelings toward the change from a one-mark grading system (M for mastery of the subject) to a three-mark system (MH for mastery with honors, M for mastery, and CR for credit). Of the student sample, 53.8% (N=574)…

This research study examines education in Japan. Emphasis is on providing a rich, detailed description of Japanese education, particularly as it is practiced in the primary school. The main descriptive points are highlighted by a comparison of the American educational system with that of the Japanese. A major objective of the study is to correct…

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two treatment variables, mastery and aptitude, on two outcome variables, achievement and retention, as measured by researcher-constructed tests. Seventeen classes of seventh-grade geography students were taught an instructor-developed geography unit with either mastery or nonmastery…

A criterion-referenced approach to a physical science course for nonmajors was implemented at Rhode Island Junior College. The basic unit of knowledge for this study was motion and the related topics of force, work, energy, power, and momentum. At completion, each student was expected to exhibit the ability to: (1) use energy more efficiently, (2)…

Reviews breakthrough studies in the development of higher mental processes. These studies include: (1) influences on talent development; (2) the relative effects of tutoring, mastery learning, and conventional group instruction on student achievement; (3) the importance of cognitive prerequisites; (4) textbook organization; and (5) methods of…

Three studies with college students in educational psychology courses examined the relationship between achievement, effort, and perceived ability within a mastery learning contest. In no study did it appear that students reduced effort because of the threat of failure or that expending effort led to lower estimates of ability. (Author/BS)

Summarizes research on instruction-related practices and policies and their implementation in effective urban schools. Discusses outcomes-based instruction, effective organizational arrangements for low achievers, instructional coordination, avoidance of overemphasis on lower order skills, operationalization of shared values, "organic"…

Describes an investigation of time as a learner variable in an individualized mode of health instruction where time was permitted to vary, hypothesizing that aptitude as measured by a standardized test could correlate more closely with time in instruction than with achievement where students were expected to reach criterion levels. (MBR)

Law schools should require excellence of all students, and mastery learning is a technique useful for structuring entire curricula or course segments to achieve high standards. A Rutgers course in contracts, torts, and legal research and writing developed to apply mastery learning strategies has proven successful. (MSE)

Describes the programed instructional approach used at the College of Lake County's basic electricity and electronics school for naval personnel. Highlights the program's competency-based curricula; use of self-study, individual-paced courses; utilization of a computerized management system for test and student record control; and close…

This Delaware state content standards booklet for teaching grades K-5 social studies in Delaware public schools begins with a one page chart outlining information for the disciplines of civics, economics, geography, and U.S. history. The booklet addresses standards for civics, lists end of cluster expectations for the end of grade three and the…

This annual report presents several articles related to the work of the Clinical Center for Child Development at Hokkaido University in Sapporo, Japan. The articles are: (1) "The Functional Uses of Infant-Directed Speech of Fathers and Mothers: A Comparison Study" (Katsuko Niwano); (2) "Are Children 'Among the Gods'?: Parental…