Mastery Learning Folders in the Classroom

The mastery learning folder is a highly successful tool for providing students with differentiated learning material. The challenge for teachers is facilitating the one-on-one test and learn sessions. What follows are some ideas for incorporating mastery learning folders into the classroom.

Morning Drop-off

In Junior Primary, many teachers invite parents to spend some time in the classroom with their child at drop off time. This is the perfect opportunity to ask parents to conduct the short test and learn mastery learning folder session with their child. Many parents are also happy to assist with the testing of other students whose parents may not drop them at the classroom.

Homework

The teacher stocks the folder with flashcards appropriate to their remediation, consolidation or extension needs of each student. A parent or sibling conducts the short daily test and learn sessions as homework. The folders return to the classroom once a week when the teacher assesses the flashcards that have reached the Test pocket. The teacher transfers new flashcards from the Store into the Hive as required.

In Class• Students use post-it notes on pockets for

word sorts or classification activities.• Students use double-sided question and

answer flashcards for content revision.• Students test each other• Students use the “look, say, visualize, write

and check” method for spelling words.

Small Group Remediation

The mastery learning folder is incorporated into supported learning activities with an education assistant or parent helper.

Peer TutoringStudents are supported by peer tutors from higher year levels. These tutors conduct the short daily test and learn sessions during a mutually convenient time eg during morning drop off time or silent reading.

Independent WorkStudents use double-sided, self correcting flashcards as a part of small group rotation activities.

Your ideas …I would love to hear your ideas for incorporating mastery learning folders into the classroom …

My Ideas

What is a Mastery Learning Folder ?