Application of "mastery learning" in medical education

Mastery learning is a competency-based mixed education method, which divides complex medical education contents into several teaching units according to the degree of difficulty and sets minimum passing standard for each teaching unit. Formative assessment was used to evaluate whether the learners had reached the mastery standard and finally mastered the knowledge through pass-continue or fail-repeat approach. The learners who had reached the mastery standard were usually able to use their knowledge more freely in clinical practice, and were able to accomplish more complex tasks through their own judgment with less supervision. Key words: Mastery learning; Competency; Deliberate practice; Feedback; Reflective discussion