Closing the Gap: A Case Study on Mastery-Based Learning

Customer Profile

Organization: Chamberlain University, one of the largest and oldest nursing and healthcare universities in the US. Industry: Higher Education (nursing and healthcare education). Size: Large Institution (over 35,000 enrolled students). Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (U.S. Department of Education). Location: United States (23 campuses offering both online and campus-based degree programs).

Background: Chamberlain University is a prestigious for-profit institution with a 125+ year history of preparing extraordinary healthcare professionals. With a growing network of campuses, and robust online offerings, Chamberlain University continues to raise the standard of nursing and healthcare education and advance healthcare outcomes in communities across the country and around the world.

Problem Statement

Chamberlain University encountered a significant challenge regarding students having knowledge gaps from prior courses, hindering their ability to succeed in subsequent coursework. Many students entered higher-level courses without mastering foundational concepts from prerequisite courses, leading to academic struggles, frustration, and decreased confidence. The pain point resided in the need to address knowledge gaps and ensure students had the necessary foundation to excel in their academic pursuits.

Solution

To address the challenge of knowledge gaps among students, Chamberlain University implemented a mastery-based learning approach facilitated by the edaptAI platform. The solution focused on personalized, competency-based learning experiences tailored to individual student needs:

1. Diagnostic Assessments: edaptAI provided diagnostic assessments to evaluate students' mastery of prerequisite course concepts. By assessing students' knowledge levels at the outset, the edaptAI system could identify specific areas of weakness and customize learning pathways accordingly.

2. Adaptive Learning Pathways: edaptAI offered adaptive learning pathways that allowed students to progress at their own pace and focus on areas where they needed additional support. The platform dynamically adjusted content and learning activities based on students' performance, providing targeted remediation and reinforcement of key concepts.

3. Formative Feedback: edaptAI facilitated ongoing formative feedback and assessment throughout the learning process. Faculty members could monitor students' progress, provide timely feedback, and intervene when necessary to address knowledge gaps and ensure mastery of course content.

Results

After two years of implementing mastery-based learning facilitated by the edaptAI platform, Chamberlain University observed significant improvements in student learning outcomes and academic success:

1. Reduced Knowledge Gaps: The adoption of mastery-based learning strategies led to a reduction in knowledge gaps among students. The edaptAI platform identified and filled 3 out of 4 knowledge gaps, an achievement of 75% remediation efficacy. By providing personalized learning experiences and targeted interventions, students were better equipped to master prerequisite course concepts and succeed in higher-level coursework.

2. Improved Academic Performance: Students demonstrated improved academic performance, with higher mastery scores. The mastery-based learning approach facilitated deeper understanding and retention of foundational concepts, leading to greater academic success and confidence among students.

3. Enhanced Student Engagement: The implementation of mastery-based learning using the edaptAI platform increased student engagement and motivation. Students appreciated the flexibility and personalized support offered by the adaptive learning modules, leading to a more positive and fulfilling learning experience.

In conclusion, by leveraging mastery-based learning facilitated by the edaptAI platform, Chamberlain University successfully addressed the challenge of knowledge gaps among students. The results demonstrated improvements in student learning outcomes, academic performance, and engagement, reaffirming Chamberlain University's commitment to providing high-quality education and supporting student success.

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