Mastery learning,rewriting assignments and student learning of criminal justice research methods |
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| Authors: | David A Kessler Marc Swatt |
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| Institution: | 1. Kent State University;2. University of Nebraska at Omaha |
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| Abstract: | This research examines the application of mastery learning theory to the teaching of criminal justice research methods. Mastery learning has students learn each module before proceeding to the next one. Criminal justice research methods is amenable to mastery learning because the course content is cumulative; students need to know each step before proceeding to the next one. Mastery learning was implemented by having students rewrite exercises until they obtained perfect scores. It was tested in three classes taught by the same instructor. Student learning was measured by comparing the difference in scores on a pretest examination with scores on a post-test examination. The results indicated that the better students performed on the exercises, the more they improved on the final examination over the initial examination. The more students rewrote assignments, the better they performed on the assignments and subsequently, the more they improved on the final examination. Students who averaged between one and two rewrites maximized improvement on the examination. The results suggest that mastery learning theory is an effective method of teaching research methods. Although it is more time consuming than traditional methods, it is beneficial to students who are trying to learn difficult material for the first time. |
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