"Mastery is a term that all educators use and believe they understand well. But when pressed to describe precisely what it means to 'master' a concept, skill, or subject, everyone has a different definition," assert Thomas R. Guskey and Eric M. Anderson. The father of the mastery learning approach, Benjamin S. Bloom, left the definition…

In this article we draw parallels between defined critical features of response-to-intervention (RTI) and the mastery learning approach described in the general education literature by Benjamin S. Bloom. We posit that these two processes include many common elements but that each incorporates unique elements that could potentially complement and…

The problem of achievement gaps among different subgroups of students has been evident in education for many years. This manuscript revisits the work of renowned educator Benjamin S. Bloom, who saw reducing gaps in the achievement of various groups of students as a simple problem of reducing variation in student learning outcomes. Bloom observed…

Although much has been written recently about gaps in the achievement of different groups of students, the problem has been with us for many years. This manuscript presents a historical perspective of the problem, viewing it as one of reducing variation in students' achievement. Specifically, it reviews the work of renowned educator Benjamin S.…

This paper describes the elements that most clearly identify and are most critical to a mastery learning program. Ways in which teachers can easily and efficiently implement these elements in their teaching and practices are outlined, along with procedures for evaluating their effectiveness in improving student learning. A discussion is presented…

The effect of mastery learning procedures on achievement and students' attributions for learning outcomes was studied with undergraduates enrolled in a general education course at a large state university. Most of the students were juniors and all had met selective admission requirements. It was hypothesized that mastery learning would result in…

This paper describes the basic elements of Mastery Learning, as outlined by Benjamin S. Bloom, and Mastery Teaching, as outlined by Madeline C. Hunter. It shows that while these two instructional approaches are clearly distinct, they can actually serve as complements to one another. In addition, each can bring added strength to the other such that…

Discusses R. Slavin's best-evidence synthesis method as an alternative to traditional meta-analysis and review techniques. Explains the inherent weaknesses of the technique Slavin uses and how the techniques can be misused. (RB)

Examines recent research to show that group-based mastery learning programs have consistently positive effects on student learning outcomes, including academic achievement, material retention, involvement in learning activities, and student attitudes. These programs also affect teachers and have considerable potential for implementation in regular…

Teachers who experienced positive change in the learning outcomes of their students after an inservice workshop on mastery learning expressed increased personal responsibility for both positive and negative student outcomes and increased affect toward teaching, but they expressed decreased confidence in their teaching abilities. (Author/RD)

A synthesis of findings from 46 studies on group-based applications of mastery learning strategies points out their positive effects on both cognitive and affective student learning outcomes as well as on several teacher variables. Variables affecting the success of mastery learning, such as choice of strategy, student grade level, and study…

This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of a group-based, teacher-paced model of mastery learning for instruction in undergraduate education courses. It was hypothesized that the mastery-taught students, who were provided formative tests and corrective activities, would achieve higher scores on the final examination and higher grades…

To determine whether increasing teachers' effectiveness influences the relationship between teachers' initial expectations for a student and the student's actual performance, data were gathered on intermediate grades and secondary school teachers who participated in a mastery learning workshop. Correlations between teacher expectations and student…

A study investigated whether teachers who receive training and then implement more effective instructional practices change in the reasons they offer for their effectiveness. Comparisons were made between 46 intermediate and high school teachers in a large urban school system who were trained in and implemented mastery learning techniques, and 50…

The influence of change in teachers' instructional effectiveness upon the relationship between their expectations for students' performance and student achievement outcomes is investigated. Data were gathered from 44 intermediate and high school level teachers who particpated in an inservice training workshop on mastery learning strategies.…