Dr. Thomas Guskey discusses mastery learning in education, emphasizing formative assessments and differentiated instruction. The importance of clear assessment design, explicit instruction, and setting high standards for students is explored. The evolution of a book on mastery learning and resources for further learning are also highlighted.
Mastery learning builds on Bloom's work with personalized instruction and meaningful assessments.
Effective implementation includes corrective measures and enrichment tasks tailored to individual student needs.
Collaborative planning and continuous improvement foster student success through innovation and shared strategies.
Deep dives
Another Podcast Episode on Mastery Learning: Diving into Strategies to Support Student Achievement
In this episode, the discussion centers around strategies to support student mastery of skills and knowledge in an educational context. Dr. Thomas Guskie, a special guest, shares insights on mastery learning, emphasizing that it is an extension of the original concept by Benjamin Bloom. Dr. Guskie highlights the importance of using assessments as learning tools, with diagnostic and prescriptive feedback, following Bloom's approach to formative assessments.
The Origins and Evolution of Mastery Learning by Benjamin Bloom
Dr. Guskie describes the origins of mastery learning with Benjamin Bloom back in 1968, emphasizing Bloom's pioneering work in developing strategies to provide quality instruction considering the diversity of student skills. Bloom's differentiation from traditional teaching methods showed the need for personalized learning approaches to cater to individual student needs.
Implementing Mastery Learning: A Differentiated Approach
Dr. Guskie discusses the implementation of mastery learning, highlighting the importance of correctives and enrichment activities in the learning process. Correctives are not mere reteaching but involve differentiated instruction to address individual student learning gaps. Enrichment activities are designed as rewarding opportunities for students who have mastered the curriculum, encouraging further exploration and learning.
Effective Assessment Practices in Mastery Learning
The podcast underscores the criticality of effective assessment practices aligned with learning goals in mastery learning. Dr. Guskie emphasizes a clear understanding of the highest standards of achievement, guiding teachers in setting clear expectations for student performance and providing rubrics that reflect mastery levels. The importance of intentional assessment design to match learning objectives is highlighted to ensure students' understanding and proficiency.
Collaborative Learning and Professional Growth
The conversation emphasizes the value of collaborative learning and professional growth for educators. Dr. Guskie, Aaron, and James discuss the benefits of collaborative planning, sharing innovative instructional strategies, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Collaborative environments enable teachers to explore diverse perspectives, refine teaching practices, and enhance student learning outcomes.
In Season 4 | Episode 11 | We will be unpacking and discussing: How do educators support students to achieve mastery of skills and knowledge?
In this episode, we are joined by Thomas Guskey. If you would like more information about Thomas and the work he does, please visit: https://tguskey.com/