Mastery Learning and Student Teams: A Factorial Experiment in Urban General Mathematics Classes

The mathematics achievement effects of principal components of mastery learning and student team learning were evaluated in a year-long randomized experiment in urban ninth grade general mathematics classes. The components were formative tests, corrective instruction for nonmasters, summative tests (Mastery), and practice in four-member heterogeneous teams and team rewards (Teams). A 2 X 2 (Mastery by Teams) factorial experiment compared Mastery, Teams, Teams + Mastery, and a control treatment. All methods used the same materials and schedule of teaching, worksheets, and test. A nested analysis of covariance indicated significant achievement main effects for Teams but not for Mastery. No Mastery by Teams or pretest by treatment interactions were found.

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