Mastery Learning: The Power of 100%

by Dr. Carolee Cameron Duckworth

July 2010

Inside This Issue:

What is Mastery Learning?
Who can achieve Mastery?
What does Mastery Learning require?
What does Mastery Learning change?
Mastery Learning Combined with Tutoring

People can achieve mastery, but only at their own speed and only by using their own learning style.

What is Mastery Learning?

Mastery Learning is a process of building strength on strength, using the power of 100%. When we build a building, we understand that each block must be solid and strong before another block is laid on top of it. We build a strong foundation before we add the solid framing. Then we build strong walls before we add a solid roof. Mastery Learning is the same. By fully mastering each concept before moving on to the next, each new block is firmly supported by the solid blocks beneath it.

The opposite is also true. When full mastery of a concept is not achieved before moving on to the next, new blocks are added to shaky foundations, and what follows makes less and less sense. When mastery gaps develop and are not filled --- in math for example--- that subject becomes more and more overwhelming.

People can achieve mastery, but only at their own speed and only by using their own learning style. When they are forced to move at a speed that is wrong for them, or when they do not make the learning their own through their own learning style, gaps develop that impact everything they attempt to learn from that point on.

Who can achieve Mastery?

Research has shown that more than 90% of all people can master a subject (85% or above) when mastery learning methods are used. Yet many people have never experienced mastery. This is not because they are incapable of mastery. It is because there has been a mismatch between their personal learning style and time needs, and what they have experienced so far.

When a student’s time and learning style needs are met, they can and will achieve mastery—85% or above. And this will impact everything that follows. Building from strength, they will continue to excel. And by excelling, they will experience the boost in self-esteem that comes with knowing that they have done so.

We have made the error of viewing excellence as a goal-line where only a selected few will win. In fact, it is a pathway, where each is at a different place along the road, but all can arrive.

What does Mastery Learning Require?

Mastery learning methods are based on how the learning and teaching process relate to the individual differences in learners. One Mastery Learning System, called Personalized System of Instruction (PSI for short---also called Keller Method), is based on five elements:

1. Written Materials, broken into elements, called Units. Units are active, engaging, manageable and sequenced, and are available whenever, and for as long as, a student needs them.
2. Mastery-Based, defined as 85% or higher. Each element of learning is mastered before the next is begun. “Mastery Demonstrations” are used to determine what has been mastered, and what has not been mastered YET. If an earlier element has not been mastered yet, it is identified as a gap and mastered in order that later concepts that depend on it can be built on top of it.
3. Individually Paced, meaning each student spends the time he or she needs to fully master each element. Mastery Learning initiator, Dr. Jack Carroll, measures learning using this formula: Learning = Time Spent/Time Needed. Using this formula,1 hour spent when 2 hours are needed computes to 1/2 or 50%. In school 50% translates to an “F” for failure. In Mastery Learning it is seen as having stopped learning one hour too soon. After dedicating the additional 1 hour that is needed, the new learning computation is 2/2 or 100%!!
4. Peer Proctored, where each student “passes on” what he or she has learned by “proctoring” someone else. “To teach is to learn twice.” In a tutoring situation, this is accomplished by having the student “teach back” what he or she has mastered, including the thinking process used.
5. Motivational Elements, to include specific time blocks for motivational activities such as: 1) student-initiated inquiry, 2) expert’s communication of enthusiasm, excitement, vitality and insights from the fuller and deeper scope of the subject, 3) attitudinal and self-efficacy adjustments, 4) overcoming of fear and blockages, 5) reasoning and problem solving activities and games.

What does Mastery Learning Change

Mastery Learning is an experience that builds upon itself. When students have had the experience of mastery:

• They know what it feels like to know, and to know that they know.They know when learning is not solid YET, and what it will take for them, individually, to remedy this.
• They experience increased self-esteem.
• They expand their self-efficacy expectations---the perception of what is and is not within their reach, personally.

Why? Because a one-on-one tutor can work with the individual mind of the child. Learning failure or difficulty need not be endured. Learning success is possible. And learning matters. At any age, learning gaps shut out future gains and confidence. And learning success opens those doors.

The potential to learn is there…one mind at a time.

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