Which type of learning requires that students master the learning objectives before advancing to new material?

Competency-based learning is a teaching approach where students are required to demonstrate mastery of specific learning objectives before they can progress to new material. This method focuses on the actual skills and knowledge that students acquire, ensuring that they have a solid understanding of the material at hand. In this framework, assessments are designed to gauge students' competencies, and advancement is contingent upon showing proficiency.

The structured nature of competency-based learning allows for personalized pacing. Students who grasp concepts quickly can move forward, while those who need more time can revisit and reinforce their understanding without pressure. This approach emphasizes individual mastery and provides a clear pathway for learners to achieve their educational goals, thus preparing them effectively for subsequent topics or skills.

Project-based learning, collaborative learning, and inquiry-based learning, while valuable in their own right, do not necessitate mastery of one objective before advancing to another. Each of these methods encourages exploration, teamwork, and engagement with content in a more fluid manner, allowing for simultaneous transpiring of objectives rather than a sequential mastery approach.