2025 UniSA/AAUT Teaching and Learning Breakfast Series

Effective Mastery Learning in the Era of Generative AI

PRESENTER: Associate Professor Claudia Szabo (University of Adelaide)

ZOOM: https://unisa.zoom.us/j/86477509553?pwd=edu66PTEtMtLmLpSt7Cfhg0XYiCiIw.1

ABSTRACT: The application of mastery learning,  where students progress through their learning in a self-paced manner until they have mastered specific concepts, is considered appealing for teaching introductory programming courses. Despite its growing popularity in computing and its extensive use in other disciplines, there is no overview of the design of courses that use mastery learning. In this talk, I present five mastery learning models and discuss examples of how these can be applied in practice, both in foundational programming as well as more advanced courses. A case study of a mastery learning implementation in a foundation programming course is presented in detail. We then proceed with a look into the very near future with a discussion on the challenges of implementing mastery learning in the era of Generative AI, where the availability and ease of use of Generative AI solutions can be at odds with the principles of implementing this pedagogy.

BIO: A/Prof Claudia Szabo is a nationally recognised leader in computing education, recently honoured with the 2024 AAUT Award for Teaching Excellence in the Engineering, Information Technology, Architecture and Building category. As the Associate Head for Learning and Teaching in the School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Adelaide, she drives innovation in curriculum design, student experience and academic development. Her learning and teaching scholarship is grounded in evidence-based pedagogies and learning theories, with a focus on inclusive education and an excellent student experience at scale. Claudia fosters a diverse and inclusive community of computer science practitioners, her peers and her students by engaging in a wide range of activities at local, national, and international levels, all aimed at ensuring student success and excellent graduate outcomes extensively applied to industry. 

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