An Insight Into the World of Mastery Learning

The process of mastery-based learning, true to its nature, is meant to break down learning objectives so learners can master them at an individual pace. It became especially influential in the 1960’s during which time teaching methodologies were being re-developed by educators such as Benjamin Bloom with the theory of learning for mastery (LFM).

Mastery learning is a process where learners are developed to master each learning objective broken down into units. Once a unit has been successfully mastered, the learner proceeds to a more advanced learning task and from there, is led on to a journey of learning enrichment where concepts are built on the fundamentals.

Contrary to common belief, mastery-based learning does not require a significant level of commitment by any specific person apart of the process. The ultimate goal of this learning process is to achieve depth of knowledge which can be achieved in several ways. Consider a custom built program where any type of content can be adapted to this process of learning that allows a learner to move through the material at their own pace. This is all done while providing assessment feedback for both the learner and instructor. Thanks to the advancement of Cloud Learning^TM technologies, these programs have immense accessibility and added value to implementation.

This sounds like a great idea but the real question is, why adopt it?

It’s clear; mastery learning reduces performance level gaps and improves proficiency. Mastery learning programs have been shown to lead to higher achievement and increased positive attitude from learners toward the instruction they receive and content they are learning.  

Now, while many of us may not be quite ready to give up our traditional ways, change is good and innovative thinking is certainly the appropriate approach to take to new learning ideas.

Genele Rose