Mastery vs Spiral: Which Math Teaching Method is More Effective?
When it comes to math education, educators have traditionally used either mastery or spiral teaching methods. While both methods have their pros and cons, the question remains: which method is more effective in helping students achieve a deeper understanding of math concepts and excel in the subject?
What is Mastery Teaching?
Mastery teaching, also known as the “drill and kill” method, focuses on one concept at a time until the student has mastered it completely. It involves repetition until the student can solve the problem or concept on their own without difficulty. The goal is to ensure students fully understand each concept before moving on to the next.
For example, if the class is working on algebra and solving for X, mastery teaching would require the teacher to cover one type of equation at a time, ensure each student has fully grasped the concept and then move on to the next type of equation.
What is Spiral Teaching?
Spiral teaching, on the other hand, aims to cover multiple concepts in each lesson, revisiting them and expanding on them in each subsequent lesson. This allows students to build upon what they’ve already learned and gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of mathematical ideas.
In contrast to the previous example, a spiral teacher would introduce all types of equations simultaneously, covering one equation each lesson before revisiting and expanding the concepts learned the previous week.
Pros and Cons of Mastery Teaching
Mastery teaching ensures that each student fully understands a concept before moving on to the next. This approach gives students a solid foundation in math, which can lead to better long-term results. Students may also see faster progress in short term as they can more easily track their progress and see which concepts they still need to work on.
However, the repetitive nature of this method can lead to boredom and a lack of engagement in students. This approach also does not emphasize the interconnectedness of mathematical concepts which may lead to difficulty in applying learned concepts.
Pros and Cons of Spiral Teaching
Spiral teaching offers a comprehensive view of the subject, gradually building upon earlier learned concepts. This approach ensures not only comprehension but also retention and application of math concepts. Students who learn through the spiral method see concepts in a wider context, which can lead to increased engagement and a higher level of understanding of the subject.
However, spiral teaching can overwhelm some students with multiple concepts to learn simultaneously. It can also be difficult to track progress and mastery of each individual concept as there is no strict focus on ensuring that a specific concept has been fully understood before moving on.
Which Method Should Be Used?
Both methods have their benefits and drawbacks. However, the answer to which method is more effective depends on the student and the teacher. Some students may benefit more from the mastery method while others may flourish in the spiral method.
Teachers are advised to create a learning environment that is conducive to each student’s learning style. A teacher can also use a combination of both methods, starting with mastery teaching to build solid foundational knowledge and expanding on the concepts through spiral teaching.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether teachers should use mastery or spiral teaching methods depends on various factors, including student learning styles, teacher preferences, and subject matter. Both have their merits, and a combination of both methods can be used to create a comprehensive learning environment. Ultimately, the goal is for teachers to provide students with a solid foundation in math that they can build upon, leading to a lifelong appreciation for the subject and its real-world applications.
