Mastery Learning - Leveling Process

"One of the fundamental propositions of mastery learning theory is that learning should be held constant and time should be allowed to vary, rather than the opposite situation held to exist in traditional instruction. However, if the total instructional time allocated to a particular subject is fixed, then a common level of learning for all students could only be achieved by taking time away from high achievers to increase it for low achievers, a leveling process that would in its extreme form be repugnant to most educators."

Source: "Mastery Learning Reconsidered", Robert E. Slavin, Center for Research on Elementary and Middle Schools, Johns Hopkins University, 1987, p. 7.
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