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Understanding Mastery-Based vs. Adaptive Learning

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Written by Amy Scott
Updated this week

The FA Flexiverse offers different learning approaches to meet your student's unique needs. Understanding the difference between mastery-based and adaptive learning will help you choose the right curriculum for your child's success.

What is Adaptive Learning?

Adaptive learning uses technology to automatically adjust the difficulty and pace of instruction based on your student's performance in real-time.

How Adaptive Learning Works (MyPath)

  • Smart Sequencer™ technology analyzes your student's responses and adjusts accordingly

  • Continuous assessment happens throughout lessons, not just at the end

  • Personalized learning paths are created based on data and performance

  • Automatic adjustments move students forward or provide additional practice as needed

  • Focus on skill gaps - identifies and fills specific learning holes

Benefits of Adaptive Learning

  • Personalized pace - students move through material at their optimal speed

  • Targeted intervention - addresses specific skill gaps immediately

  • Prevents learning gaps from becoming bigger problems

  • Data-driven insights help parents understand exactly where their child stands

  • Efficient learning - no time wasted on concepts already mastered

Best for Students Who:

  • Need remediation or acceleration in specific areas

  • Students who need a solid academic foundation

  • Benefit from data-driven, diagnostic-based programs

  • Learn well with technology-guided instruction

  • Require personalized intervention in math and reading

  • Thrive with immediate feedback and adjustment


What is Mastery-Based Learning?

Mastery-based learning requires students to demonstrate complete understanding of a concept before moving to the next level, regardless of how long it takes.

How Mastery-Based Learning Works (Courseware, Electives, & FA Boost)

  • Deep, focused instruction on one concept at a time

  • Extensive practice activities ensure a thorough understanding

  • Students must demonstrate mastery before advancing

  • No rushing - students take the time they need to truly understand

  • Real-world applications show why skills matter

Benefits of Mastery-Based Learning

  • Solid foundation building - ensures students truly understand concepts

  • Confidence building - students feel secure in their knowledge before moving on

  • Reduced anxiety - no pressure to keep up with arbitrary timelines

  • Long-term retention - a thorough understanding leads to better memory

  • Comprehensive skill development - covers all aspects of a concept thoroughly

Best for Students Who:

  • Need to build confidence in foundational skills

  • Benefit from thorough, deep practice

  • Learn better with hands-on activities and real-world applications

  • Require extra time to process and understand concepts

  • Thrive in a supportive, no-pressure environment


How They Work Together in the FA Flexiverse

Complementary Approaches

Many families use both approaches within the FA Flexiverse:

  • MyPath for skill gaps - adaptive learning identifies and fills specific holes

  • FA Boost for foundation building - mastery-based learning builds confidence

  • Courseware & Electives building- in-depth learning that prepares students for college and beyond

  • Seamless integration - both connect to Biz Town, Virtual Campus, and community support

Switching Between Approaches

  • Start with one approach and add the other as needed

  • Use different approaches for different subjects

  • Adapt as your child grows - their learning needs may change over time


FA Flexiverse Integration Benefits

All Approaches Include:

  • Virtual Campus access - live support during business hours

  • Community connection - interact with other families using similar approaches

  • Teacher support - get help when needed

  • Parent resources - workshops and guidance for both approaches

Choosing the Right Approach

Consider your students:

  • Learning style - do they prefer quick adjustments or deep practice?

  • Confidence level - do they need to be built up or targeted for a challenge?

  • Current skill level - are there specific gaps or general foundation needs?

  • Personality - do they thrive on data feedback or prefer mastery celebrations?


Getting Help Choosing

Not sure which approach is right for your student?

Virtual Campus Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 AM-3:30 PM EST

Our Education Team can help you:

  • Assess your student's learning needs

  • Understand which approach might work best

  • Plan a combination approach if needed

  • Switch between approaches as your child grows

The Bottom Line

There's no "right" or "wrong" approach - both adaptive and mastery-based learning are effective methods that serve different student needs. The FA Flexiverse gives you the flexibility to choose the approach that works best for your child, or even use both approaches for different subjects or at different times.

The key is finding what helps your student learn best, feel confident, and stay engaged - and the FA Flexiverse supports you no matter which path you choose!

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