Obtaining higher education is one of the best ways that individuals can improve their job outlook, but the traditional learning environment does not always provide the competency required to perform a learned skill at a mastery level. Mastery Learning provides students with a number of tools to give them the most complete education possible prior to graduation. There are many benefits of utilizing this method of learning in the higher education environment.Student-led Learning
In a traditional university environment, professors lecture, students take notes and assessments are given to determine whether a student has listened to and memorized the information provided by the instructor. If a student can regurgitate most of what was included in a lecture, he or she will receive a passing grade and is able to move on to another class. In Mastery Learning, students take charge of their own learning, providing educators with a guideline of how learning is best achieved for the student. Instead of the lecture-note taking mode of teaching, educators provide opportunities for students to engage with one another as they obtain the skills, knowledge, and behaviors necessary to pass the course.
Focus on Competency
Norm-referenced assessments are used in traditional learning methods, which base achievement on how one student performs on a test when compared to other students. Mastery Learning focuses instead on competency of the subject using criterion-referenced assessments, which determine a student’s competency based on certain criteria that are not relative to other students’ performance. If a student does not pass, more time is provided to master the concept. This allows educators to set the standards for achievement higher than in traditional educational settings.
Preparation for the Workforce
Many students graduate from college assuming that they are ready to start their careers, but often find that what they learned in school is not exactly what they are required to do at their jobs. Mastery Learning ensures that students are completely competent in their field of study, and are ready to begin employment in their career of choice.