Mastery Learning in Developmental Mathematics as a Pathway to Student Success in College

• In Event: 56.081 - Roundtable Session 24
  In Roundtable Session: 56.081-8 - Learning and Student Success

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine which academic and affective student factors were significant to student success in a mastery learning program in developmental mathematics and to determine if mastery learning led to increased mathematical knowledge retention and success in the subsequent math course. The first phase of the study involved 298 students in developmental mathematics. Using logistic regression, the researchers found that placement score, previous experience with mastery learning, and gender were significant factors related to student success. The second phase of the study involved 529 students in the subsequent math course. The researchers found significant differences in student success. Results showed that mastery learning offered advantages for assisting students to overcome math background and self-efficacy barriers.

Authors

• Kirk Clifton Bradley, Pensacola State College

• Kioh Kim, University of Louisiana at Monroe

• Dorothy Schween, University of Louisiana at Monroe

• Krishna Bista, Morgan State University