Homework has been shown to provide positive impacts on student performance at the undergraduate level. Providing an incentive for students to complete homework assignments, however, can be challenging and result in grade inflation or promotion of a mentality where students attempt to collect points rather than use these assignments for feedback…

Using the backward design model, the author of this article surveys and connects the economic competencies literature evolving from Hansen with the literature on literacy-targeted principles courses. He makes the case why departments should offer LT principles courses--which focus on higher-level mastery of a shorter list of concepts that students…

While doctoral leadership programs have widely adopted Improvement Science (IS) as a signature pedagogy, few studies have examined how to best equip doctoral students with the knowledge and research skills they need to utilize IS in practice. More specifically, research is needed to determine the most effective and meaningful pedagogy for…

As marketing educators, we face a challenge to provide innovative and challenging learning environments that respond to student needs. The Integrated Core Program is an innovative approach to enhancing and improving upon undergraduate Principle of Marketing students' mastery of content along with further developing their critical thinking skills.…

Adaptive learning is a computerized learning environment in which software evaluates how well students learn course content. Students read textual materials, view videos and listen to audio files. The software then creates an individualized learning path for the student based on how well they perform in quizzes embedded in their lessons. As such,…

Grading according to standards, competencies, or concepts is nothing new.With the current grading system gaining more scrutiny, parts of the basic framework of how we grade students are being questioned. Stephens (2010) and Marzano and Heflebower (2011) reinforced the notion that homework, behavior, attendance, notebooks, and group work should not…

Flipped learning is a type of blended learning model. Blended learning (as defined by the Innosight Institute) refers to "a formal education program in which a student learns at least in part through online delivery of content and instruction [with] some element of student control over time, place, path, and/or pace AND at least in part at a…

At the heart of competency education is the assumption that by maintaining a laser focus on learning, allowing time to be a variable, and powerful competencies to set the bar, an education system can be created that produces high achievement for students from all income levels and across all racial and ethnic communities. However, the transition…

This article discusses pedagogical exercises developed to help students appreciate the power of sociological perspectives as they seek to better understand their own lives and the world around them. The assignments are focused on fulfilling the particular course learning goal that highlights student mastery of the application of diverse…

Secondary vocational-technical education programs in Mississippi are faced with many challenges resulting from sweeping educational reforms at the national and state levels. Schools and teachers are increasingly being held accountable for providing true learning activities to every student in the classroom. This accountability is measured through…

Discusses the planning, development, implementation, and course management required to use the Personalized System of Instruction in the basic speech communication course. (PD)

Choice Chemistry is a multi-level course written in a style for use in Scotland (but adaptable for other areas). Underlying course philosophies (including mastery/personalized learning approaches), course structure, and course content are discussed. (JN)

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)

Describes a mastery-based learning design developed for an advertising skills course. Discusses the benefits of mastery-based learning for students and teachers. (MG)

In fall 1980, a self-paced, individualized, mastery learning approach was adopted at Hibbing Community College for four chemistry courses in order to increase student performance and success and to provide scheduling flexibility for adult students with outside commitments. While both the traditional approach used prior to fall 1980 and the new…