Best Practice

Classroom practice: In pursuit of mastery

Mastery learning has become a popular approach, especially in mathematics. Steve Burnage looks at the key concepts behind mastery and how they might be applied to teaching and learning across the curriculum

The idea of “mastery” has been traditionally associated with teaching and learning in mathematics, based on models originating from methodology used internationally.
Mastery learning breaks subject matter and learning content into units with clearly specified objectives, which are pursued until they are achieved.

Mastery teaching encourages pupils to learn to redraft and improve their own work, equipping them with a deep understanding of their learning. Learners work through each block of content in a series of sequential steps.

A mastery approach to learning and teaching, as opposed to a more traditional differentiated approach, can equally be applied across the curriculum. Here follows some ideas and tips for developing mastery.

Register now, read forever

Thank you for visiting SecEd and reading some of our content for professionals in secondary education. Register now for free to get unlimited access to all content.

What's included:

  • Unlimited access to news, best practice articles and podcast

  • New content and e-bulletins delivered straight to your inbox every Monday and Thursday

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here