Mastery Learning in Introductory Programming

Abstract

In our first year computer science program we offer an optional first semester Python course to prepare our students for a compulsory second semester Java course. In 2014, we adopted mastery learning as the primary teaching mode for the Python course. We show how the introduction of a mastery learning model in the first semester has had a significant positive impact on student learning especially for weaker students. The structure of our first year allows us to ascribe the differences to the mastery learning model, rather than other confounding factors. We also report on the students' reaction to the mastery learning model.