Article of the Day

Teaching Activities for: ‘A New Kind of Classroom: No Grades, No Failing, No Hurry’

Credit...Sam Hodgson for The New York Times

Before reading the article:

Think about your own classroom experiences, in terms of teaching and learning, all the way back to kindergarten.

Was it easier to learn some years rather than others? What was different about the learning style or educational set up in those years? Under what conditions was it hardest to learn?

Share your experiences with a partner, and discuss what you know about your own learning style and preferences for classroom structures, or lack of them.

Now, read the article A New Kind of Classroom: No Grades, No Failing, No Hurry,” and then answer the following questions:

1) What is mastery-based learning? What states have adopted it, are testing it, or are interested in using it?

2) What is happening in New York City schools, and why is the approach toward mastery-based learning different there?

3) What is driving the shift toward mastery-based learning, and why are school technology providers fierce advocates of the method, according to the article?

4) Briefly summarize the history of mastery-based learning. When did it begin and what were the initial obstacles?

5) Describe in detail three of the criticisms the article mentions about the mastery method. Include the person or organization that cites the disadvantages.

6) Name two schools where mastery-based learning has worked well, and explain why.

Finally, tell us more about what you think:

Do the pros outweigh the cons for mastery-based learning, in your opinion?

Set up a pro-con chart, and add as many aspects as possible from the article — and from your own original thinking — under each side.

When you are finished, re-evaluate your answer. Should the method be adopted in all schools? And would you like mastery-based learning? Why or why not?