Mastery-based learning is an instructional method where students progress through curriculum and learning at their own pace until they have mastered the content. Mastery-based education is a student-centered approach, focusing on students’ individual progress through content rather than adhering to a fixed timeline dictated by whole-class instruction. You may have also heard the term “competency-based learning” (CBL). These terms are often used interchangeably and for the simplicity of this article we will stick with one term: Mastery-based learning. But know that they are essentially the same thing (the term CBL is most often used in high education settings).
How is mastery-based learning different from traditional teaching methods?
In conventional educational settings, curriculum delivery follows a predetermined schedule set by the teacher, typically spanning a specific number of days or weeks. For instance, in a 4th grade math class, the topic of equivalent fractions might be introduced during week 7 and explored for one to two weeks before transitioning to the next segment of the syllabus.
Consider what occurs by week 9 when the teacher administers a quiz on equivalent fractions. In this scenario, the expectation is that students will receive grades ranging from A to F, with some classes possibly achieving grades in the A to C range due to effective teaching or high student aptitude. However, the challenge arises when the teacher must adhere to the schedule and advance to the next topic on the curriculum list, regardless of individual student readiness.
In traditional schooling, this often entails the teacher moving forward despite the fact that some students may not have fully grasped the material—a reality underscored by the variance in quiz grades. Consequently, while some students may be prepared to progress, others may exhibit learning gaps, as reflected by their lower grades.
For many of us who grew up in the public school system, we have accepted this as “the way it is.” We have accepted that some kids grasp the material quickly, some do not, and time moves on. But with some further reflection, we can begin to see why this is not necessarily in the best interest of students.
What does mastery-based learning look like in a school?
In a school setting that follows mastery based learning, students are expected to fully master the material before they move on to the next concept. Now maybe you’re thinking, “Wait…wouldn’t that mean students are at different levels of the curriculum at any given time?” And the answer is- yes, they can be. It is not uncommon for smaller groups of students to be progressing at roughly the same time so there can still be opportunities for small group work and student collaboration. There is an excellent video here by the founder of Khan Academy, Sal Khan, about the importance of mastery-based learning.
Why is mastery based learning a good thing?
We all know that kids (and adults) have different strengths. While I might be stronger in language arts and writing, you might be more skilled at math or science. So the benefit of a mastery based curriculum is that we can progress through these different subject areas at our own pace. I might need that extra few days to fully master the new math concept but maybe you need those extra days to feel confident with your grammar lesson. So mastery-based learning provides flexibility for students depending on their individual strengths and challenges, but it also means that all students should be able to comprehend the material well to continually build their educational foundation. Check out this visual about how 2 different learners can progress through their math curriculum using traditional vs. mastery based learning.
Mastery-based learning enhances students’ agency over their learning
Not only does utilizing mastery-based learning enhance student’s knowledge acquisition, but it also means that students are more likely to take control over their own learning because they are focused on themselves and their growth, not simply trying to perform for a test. There is a lot of research that’s been done that shows when students know they are going to be given a test, they will choose the easiest thing to learn in order to ensure they get the “good grade.” But whenever mastery goals are utilized, students will often choose more challenging tasks, thus learning how to persist in order to learn the material.
Where will I find a school that uses mastery based learning?
There are two main teaching philosophies that are consistently known for their use of mastery-based learning: Montessori and Acton Academies. If you live in the Durham/Chapel-Hill area of North Carolina, here are some schools you might consider if you’re interested in mastery-based learning:
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