Pedagogy and Academics

From the Assistant Principal Pedagogy and Academics

Mastery Learning – we’re all needed

As educators and parents, we are familiar with the fact that children learn at different paces - some grasp new concepts quickly, while others need more time and practice to fully understand. This difference isn’t about ability - it’s about the conditions in which students learn. To truly master a subject, students need the right conditions to apply, refine, and deepen their understanding - conditions that stretch far beyond the classroom.

Recent discussions in education have brought retrieval practice back into focus as a powerful tool for solidifying knowledge and achieving mastery. But mastery learning requires more than just recalling facts - it demands that students engage with material until they fully understand it and it involves looking at the broader learning environment, where motivation, prior knowledge, and support at home and school all play vital roles.

Optimum learning environments encourage the ability to engage, inquire, take risks and persist. Motivation enables students to see the relevance of their learning, experience small successes, and develop the drive to push further. Prior knowledge forms the foundation for new concepts and understanding. A well-sequenced lesson cultivates curiosity and challenges students to think deeply, while a supportive home provides the routines and space needed for reflection and consolidation. When all these factors come together, mastery isn’t just a possibility - it’s inevitable.

When we commit to mastery learning, we shift the focus from speed to depth, from performance to progress. It’s not about who learns fastest, but how well each student builds knowledge and skills over time. With strong foundations, they can move forward with confidence, ready to tackle increasingly complex ideas. True mastery isn’t about talent - it’s about opportunity, consistency, and support. The great news here, is that mastery is within reach for all students.

The best outcomes occur when teaching, practice, mindset, and motivation come together. Teachers guide, parents support, and students commit, but success is greatest when all these elements align. 

At Loreto, we are dedicated to creating the right conditions for every student to flourish. Through targeted feedback, high expectations, and fostering resilience, we know that learning isn’t a solo journey. It takes all of us. 

Mel Pedavoli

Assistant Principal Pedagogy and Academic Leadership