Mastery Learning and the Magic of One-on-One Tutoring

Illawarra Tutoring
17/10/2023

Education is a journey, and like any expedition, everyone travels at their own pace. Imagine walking in a group through a dense forest. Some of us might easily navigate the terrain, while others could stumble on roots or get caught in thickets. If the group were to move on without waiting for everyone, some would be left behind. Sadly, this is often how traditional classrooms operate: students move through material at a set pace, and those who don't keep up can get lost.

Enter "mastery learning," a teaching method that ensures everyone in our metaphorical group of forest trekkers is ready before moving forward. This approach ensures each individual understands a topic thoroughly before progressing to the next one. It sounds simple and logical, yet it's surprisingly revolutionary when compared to conventional classroom settings. Let's dive a bit deeper into what makes mastery learning tick and why it may be closely linked to the benefits of private tutoring.

Mastery Learning: Setting the Pace for Success

At the heart of mastery learning is the belief that everyone can succeed. It's not about 'if' a student will grasp a concept, but 'when'. Key elements of this approach include:

• Defined Goals: Each topic or unit has specific objectives that need to be met. Think of these as checkpoints on a map.
• Check-ins: Before moving forward, students take assessments to gauge their understanding. It's a bit like asking, "Are we all together? Does anyone need help?"
• Guidance Along the Way: After these assessments, students receive feedback, which acts as a guiding hand, pointing out where they might have gone off the path and showing them the way back.
• Extra Help: If a student hasn't quite understood a topic, additional support is provided. This is the equivalent of taking a moment to show someone how to navigate a tricky part of the trail.
• Ready to Move On?: After this extra assistance, there's another check to ensure the student is ready to progress. This ensures no one is left behind.
• Deep Dives for the Eager: For those who find their way with ease, there are added challenges and explorations to enrich their journey.

This approach is brilliant in its inclusivity, ensuring that each student, whether quick or deliberate in their learning pace, gets what they need. But one might wonder, in a standard classroom with so many students and limited time, how can this personalised approach be achieved? This is where the unique strength of private tutoring comes into play.

The Power of Personalised Attention:

In the 1980s, researcher Benjamin Bloom made a significant discovery highlighting the importance of individual attention in the learning process. He observed that students who received one-on-one tutoring, particularly when coupled with mastery learning techniques, surpassed their peers in traditional classrooms.

What's even more remarkable is the extent of this difference. These tutored students didn't just do slightly better; they excelled to such a degree that they outperformed a staggering 98% of students in conventional educational settings.

Why Private Tutoring Matters

Private tutors can adapt and respond in real-time to a student's challenges and strengths. They can provide immediate feedback, reframe a difficult concept in multiple ways until it 'clicks', and offer consistent encouragement. This one-on-one interaction ensures that the student's needs are at the forefront, making mastery learning more feasible and effective.

Moreover, the confidence gained from understanding a topic deeply, rather than just scraping by, cannot be understated. This confidence can cascade into other areas of a student's life, fostering a love for learning and a belief in their own abilities.

Concluding Thoughts

While mastery learning offers a promising approach to ensure all students achieve their best, it's clear that the individualised attention inherent in private tutoring can make this method even more powerful. As we consider the future of education and the desire for all students to succeed, it's worth reflecting on the significant advantages of one-on-one instruction. Whether it's through private tutors or other innovative solutions, the goal remains the same: to ensure no student is left behind on their educational journey.