UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Mastery learning is based on the idea that,with appropriate time and support,nearly all learners can achieve a high standard of performance. Instruction is sequenced into units with clear mastery criteria,such as a particular score or demonstrated competence. Learners who do not initially meet the criterion receive corrective instruction and additional practice. Thus,the predetermined level in the stem refers to mastery.

Option A:
Competition among students is not central to mastery learning; in fact,the approach often de-emphasises comparison between learners and focuses on individual progress toward criteria.

Option B:
Anxiety is a negative emotional state that mastery learning seeks to reduce by allowing learners sufficient opportunities to succeed,not something to be increased or used as a standard.

Option C:
Ranking orders learners from highest to lowest performance,which is typical of norm-referenced systems. Mastery learning,however,uses criterion-referenced standards where many students can achieve the same high level.

Option D:
Mastery represents the desired level of understanding or skill that students should reach before moving to the next unit. Because the stem stresses a predetermined level to be met by almost all learners,mastery is the correct completion.