It is proposed that the only technology that has consistently been effective over traditional education approaches is the personalized system of instruction (PSI). An overview is given of the purpose, origin, development, and use of the system. The five critical components are outlined: use of student assistants, emphasis on the written word in…

A three-year study evaluated the cognitive and affective effect of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) on adult basic education (ABE) students at the Great Neck Adult Learning Centers. The system was used by learning laboratory students in 1977 and by both learning laboratory and classroom students from 1977-1979. The 100 students enrolled from…

Local Education Agencies in New York State initiated measurement plans that collected reading and mathematics achievement data via criterion-referenced measures during fiscal 1974-75. These measures permitted districts to detect the areas of deficiencies and the approximate instructional levels where Elementary and Secondary Education Act Title I…

Alternatives to the standard lecture course in introductory economics are presented in this series exploring new teaching methods in college level economics. In this issue "elementary" or introductory economics taught at Vanderbilt University is described. It relies on two techniques: case method and self-paced instruction. Self-paced…

This paper is based on two premises. The first is that there are five conditions of readiness which determine the success or failure of educational innovations such as that of mastery learning. These are: (1) The desire to change the status quo, (2) a systematic management process, (3) effective leadership, (4) a receptive teaching staff, and (5)…

Describes aptitude treatment interaction study that used the cognitive styles field dependence and independence matched with computerized algorithmic and discovery treatments to determine mathematics achievement on a criterion-referenced test. Posttest mathematics scores and student responses to the computer are analyzed, and mastery learning is…

The Coalition of Essential Schools promotes the following principles: (1) personalized instruction; (2) student-as-worker, teacher-as-coach; (3) focus on adolescents; (4) focus on essential skills and knowledge; (5) teachers as generalists; (6) diploma by exhibition of mastery; (7) goals for all students; (8) tone of expectation, trust, and…

This description of popular private educational system in Japan, the Kumon Method, focuses on instruction in arithmetic for primary school students. Highlights include the educational philosophy of the system, instructor training, acceptance by parents, and use of the system as a model for educational systems of the future. (LRW)

Describes the Coventry (Rhode Island) Junior High School Mastery Learning Project, serving up to 55 students in seventh-grade English, eighth-grade science, seventh- and eighth-grade mathematics, and seventh-grade social studies (geography) classes. Achievement of students in the program is compared to that of students in regular classes. (MH)

Motivation for learning is important for positive learning outcomes as well as for measured achievement levels. When students come to our classes, they bring with them learning histories in which we as individual teachers, most likely, did not have an input. Our students do not only bring with them different levels of prerequisite leanings but…

Learning academic English is probably one of the surest, most reliable ways of attaining socioeconomic success in the United States today. Learners cannot function in school settings effectively without it. This variety of English entails the multiple, complex features of English required for success in public schooling and career advancement. It…

This monograph presents data and conclusions derived from one phase of an investigation of objectives and methods in the teaching of modern foreign languages in high schools and colleges. A committee of specialists operating under the auspices of the American Council of Education and with financial assistance received from the Carnegie Corporation…

Reports results of the meta-analysis of 130 research studies on effects of instructional systems used in science teaching. Studies coded gave rise to 341 effect sizes. Systems examined included audio-tutorial, computer-linked, individualized, and media-based instructional systems, personalized system of instruction, mastery learning, self-directed…

In this study we examined the benefits of computer programs designed to supplement regular reading instruction in an urban public school system. The programs provide systematic exercises for mastering word-attack strategies. Our findings indicate that first graders who participated in the programs made significant reading gains over the school…

This study examines two interventions for altering achievement goals in an effort to enhance academic success in struggling Introductory Psychology students. The procedures involved an in-class lecture and an interactive computerized tutorial. Both procedures were successful in altering motivation. This led to changes in study activities and…