In what way does mastery learning expect students to progress?

Mastery learning emphasizes that students must achieve a high level of understanding before they are allowed to advance to new material. This approach is structured around the belief that students should fully comprehend the content and demonstrate mastery of a topic before proceeding, ensuring that the foundational knowledge is solid. This method is beneficial in promoting deeper learning and retention, as it requires students to not just understand basic concepts but to fully grasp and apply the material in various contexts.

By prioritizing mastery, educators can help to close learning gaps, allowing students to receive the support they need to achieve proficiency. This contrasts with other methods that may allow students to move on with a less comprehensive understanding, which could lead to difficulties with more advanced topics later on.