Blended Mastery Learning in Mathematics

TL;DR

This study introduces a blended mastery learning approach in university mathematics using automated assessments via the STACK system, showing modest but positive effects on student mastery and support.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel teaching cycle based on Bloom's Learning for Mastery that integrates online automated assessment to address practical challenges.

Findings

Performance predicted mastery modestly

Students supported the new teaching cycle

Positive but limited impact on mastery

Abstract

In this paper we report a study in which we have developed a teaching cycle based closely on Bloom's Learning for Mastery (LFM). The teaching cycle ameliorates some of the practical problems with LFM by making use of the STACK online assessment system to provide automated assessment and feedback to students. We report a clinical trial of this teaching cycle with groups of university level engineering students. Our results are modest, but positive: performance on the exercises predicted mastery according to the formative tests to a small extent. Students also report being supportive of the use of the new teaching cycle.