The National University Podcast

The National University Podcast


Mastery Learning: Revolutionizing Education

September 05, 2023

We're thrilled to bring you an enriching conversation with our distinguished guest, Dr. Dwayne Wood. A seasoned educator and instructional designer, Dr. Wood has a unique perspective on mastery learning in the classroom, thanks to his diverse background in military service. Join us as he takes us through his transition from the military to education, sharing how real-world applications can amplify learning outcomes.


This episode is a deep dive into the world of mastery learning, where we unravel how formative assessments and constructive feedback can revolutionize online education. We challenge the conventional grade-focused approach and champion a more flexible, learning-centric path. We explore the tremendous potential of hands-on experiences and projects in engaging students, while also acknowledging the challenges of implementing mastery learning in classrooms. We delve into how technology can countervail these challenges, facilitating personalized instruction and benchmarking for students.


Our journey continues as we debunk some common misconceptions about mastery learning and uncover its benefits. Setting aside the pressure of time and high-stakes testing, we delve into the positive impacts of competency-based education. We also emphasize the crucial role parents can play in supporting mastery learning at home. Toward the end, we make a strong case for critical thinking within the mastery learning framework, drawing from Dr. Wood's military experience. The episode comes to a close with us reimagining education through the lens of mastery learning - a conversation you don't want to miss!