Mastery-focused classrooms:
* Goal: Emphasis is on the *process* of learning and understanding the material deeply. Students are encouraged to strive for competence and improvement, focusing on their own progress rather than comparing themselves to others. The goal is to master the subject matter, regardless of how others perform.
* Assessment: Assessment is viewed as a tool for learning and improvement. Frequent formative assessments (e.g., quizzes, in-class activities) provide feedback that helps students identify areas needing further work. Summative assessments (e.g., final exams) are used to gauge overall understanding, but the emphasis is on growth and improvement shown throughout the course. Grading might incorporate effort and progress alongside final achievement. Opportunities for retakes or revisions are often provided.
* Teaching methods: Instructors utilize collaborative learning, project-based learning, and inquiry-based learning to foster deep understanding. Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, and make mistakes as part of the learning process. Feedback is constructive and focuses on specific areas for improvement.
* Student motivation: Students are intrinsically motivated to learn because they value the process of mastering the material. They are less concerned with grades and more focused on their personal growth and understanding.
* Classroom atmosphere: The classroom environment is supportive, collaborative, and encouraging. Mistakes are seen as opportunities for learning, and students feel safe taking risks.
Performance-focused classrooms:
* Goal: Emphasis is on *outcomes* and achieving high grades or marks. The focus is on demonstrating superior performance compared to peers. Competition is often encouraged.
* Assessment: Assessment is primarily summative, with a strong emphasis on high-stakes tests and exams. Feedback may be limited or focused solely on the final grade. Opportunities for improvement are often scarce.
* Teaching methods: Instruction often follows a lecture format, with a focus on delivering information to be memorized. Students may engage in competitive activities. The emphasis is on memorization and test-taking strategies rather than deep understanding.
* Student motivation: Students are extrinsically motivated; their primary drive is to achieve high grades and outperform their classmates. This can lead to anxiety, stress, and a focus on grades rather than learning.
* Classroom atmosphere: The classroom environment can be competitive and potentially stressful. Students may be hesitant to ask questions or take risks for fear of appearing less intelligent than their peers.
In short: Mastery-focused learning prioritizes understanding and growth, while performance-focused learning prioritizes grades and competition. Research consistently shows that mastery-focused environments lead to better long-term learning and retention, while performance-focused environments can lead to increased anxiety and a less deep understanding of the subject matter. Ideally, a balanced approach incorporating elements of both could be most beneficial, but the emphasis should always be on developing a deep, lasting understanding of the subject matter.