What characterizes mastery learning?

Mastery learning is characterized by the requirement for students to achieve a high level of understanding of a subject matter before they can progress to the next level or topic. This approach emphasizes that students must reach a certain standard of mastery concerning the material they are learning. The philosophy behind mastery learning is that every student can learn and succeed if given enough time and the right support. Unlike traditional educational methods that may allow students to move forward without fully grasping the concepts, mastery learning ensures that the foundational knowledge is solidified, facilitating deeper understanding and retention of information.

This method fosters an environment where learning is personalized, and support mechanisms can be applied as needed to help students achieve mastery before advancing. In this way, mastery learning not only prioritizes understanding but also caters to different learning paces and styles, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to fully comprehend the material they are studying.