ABSTRACT
Mastery learning is based on the idea that all pupils can learn (or ‘master’) a topic or a subject provided that it is presented in the right way and the pupil is given enough time and feedback. It relates back to some of the ideas of behaviourist psychology (see learning theories) and programmed learning from the 1960s. It is often said to be based on Benjamin Bloom’s Learning for Mastery model (see references below). This idea experiences a revival from time to time, especially when there is a drive for ‘personalised’ or individualised learning or for the attainment of ‘lower achievers’ in schools to be raised.
