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Mastery Learning in the Science Classroom: Success for Every Student


By: Kelly Morgan

$11.96 - Member Price  
$14.95 - Nonmember Price



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Details

Type of Product:NSTA Press Book (also see downloadable PDF version of this book)
Average Rating:
 based on 1 review
Publication Date:1/15/2011
Pages:69
Stock Number:PB289X
ISBN:978-1-936137-09-1
Grade Level:Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Read Inside:Read a sample chapter: Mastery Learning

NSTA Recommends
Our reviewers—top-flight teachers and other outstanding science educators—have determined that this resource is among the best available supplements for science teaching.
[Read the full review]


Description

In these pages, Kelly Morgan presents a compelling case for implementing a mastery learning science classroom and then shows us how to do it. Using research-based student performance data, Morgan compiles impressive statistics that support her assertion, “Mastery learning results in improved student learning and motivation.” Showing challenges as well as benefits, this text covers a step-by-step implementation from the traditional classroom to a mastery classroom, along with sample worksheets, checklists, a teacher grading grid, and additional resources. Beginning with the author’s personal experience in Chapter 1, “Why Did I Completely Change My Classroom?” mastery learning is then defined, approached using research-based techniques, and viewed through practical applications that will answer every question a teacher, parent, or principal might have about this methodology. And for the details, a chapter called “How Mastery Learning Might Look” provides a flexible model for readers to use or modify to fit any grade level or content area.


Ideas For Use

Additional Info

Intended User Role:Curriculum Supervisor, Elementary-Level Educator, High-School Educator, Middle-Level Educator, Teacher
Educational Issues:Achievement, Assessment of students, Classroom management, Educational research, Inquiry learning, Professional development, Teacher preparation, Teaching strategies

Contents

Chapter 1: Why Did I Completely Change My Classroom?

The Questions That Led to Change

Using This Book

Chapter 2: Mastery Learning

What Is Mastery Learning?

Self-Paced Is Not Self-Taught

History of Mastery Learning

Effects of Mastery Learning

Mastery Learning’s Pendulum Swings

Current Research

Connection With National Science Education Standards and Standards-Based Education

Teaching Broader Skills for The Future

Chapter 3: Research-Based Techniques Incorporated Within Mastery Learning

Cognition: How We Process and Learn Information

The Importance of Understanding a Student’s Prior Knowledge

Efficient Learning and Mastery Learning

The Dramatic Effect of Feedback and Individualized Instruction on Student Performance

Can Mastery Learning Be as Effective as Tutorial Instruction?

Chapter 4: Practical Implications of Mastery Learning

“It’s Not Fair”—Or Is It?

Working With Students, Parents, and Administrators

Handling Lack of Support

What Content Needs to Be Mastered?

What Do You Consider “Mastery”?

Grading

How Do You Report “Mastery”?

Providing Meaningful Feedback

Socially Constructed Understanding

Taking Another Look at Your Curricular Materials

Learning Opportunities

Labs

Assessments

Managing and Monitoring Progress

Incorporating Progress Into Student Grades

Keeping Pace With Students

Accumulating Background Knowledge

Use of Technology

Starting the Year

Summary

Chapter 5: How Mastery Learning Might Look

The Full Mastery Learning Classroom

Variation 1: Weekly Group Discussions

Variation 2: Requiring Learning Opportunities

Variation 3: Group Labs

Variation 4: Mastery Outside of Class Time

Variation 5: Layered Curriculum

Chapter 6: Summary

Observations From My Mastery Learning Classroom

The Second Year and Beyond

Where to Find More Information

References

Appendix

Example of Backwards-Faded Worksheet

Example of Student Chapter Checklist

Example of Teacher Grading Grid

Index


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National Standards Correlation

This resource has 6 correlations with the National Standards.  
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This resource has 6 correlations with the National Standards.  
[HIDE CORRELATIONS]

  • Process Standards for Professional Development
    • Research-Based
      • Prepares educators to apply research to decision making. (NSDC)
      • Connect and integrate all pertinent aspects of science and science education. (NSES)
    • Design
      • Uses learning strategies appropriate to the intended goal. (NSDC)
    • Learning
      • Applies knowledge about human learning and change. (NSDC)
  • Teaching Standards
    • Teachers of science plan an inquiry-based science program for their students.
      • Select teaching and assessment strategies that support the development of student understanding and nurture a community of science learners.
    • Teachers of science engage in ongoing assessment of their teaching and of student learning.
      • Analyze assessment data to guide teaching.


Customer Reviews
Helping every student be a success.
  Reviewed by: Angelika Fairweather (Bradenton, FL) on May 10, 2011
  The author Kelly Morgan presents a comprehensive look into a mastery learning classroom. After reading this book, I not only am completely convinced this should be the goal of every classroom, I also understand how mastery learning looks in a science classroom. I have a been pursuing different aspects of a differentiated classroom via professional development and books. I have struggled with the idea of adapting these strategies for science do to the demands of labs. This book helped by presenting examples from a science classroom. I feel that mastery learning goes hand-in-hand with differentiated learning. The important idea is every student should expect they have to demonstrate mastery, and will not be allowed to simply fail and move on in the curriculum.

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