Applying Mastery Learning to Athletic Training Education

Objective: Historical and current athletic training education literature rarely references any educational theory or instructional model. This article reviews research related to mastery learning and athletic training educational history. It focuses on the possibility that mastery learning was the implicit foundational instructional model of athletic training education and evaluates its correlation with current athletic training educational programs (ATEPs). This review illustrates the need to identify the historical and current educational theory or instructional model for athletic training education.

Sources: Studies reviewed include published articles, books, and dissertations involving mastery learning and the history of athletic training education.

Conclusions: Evidence suggests that mastery learning and the outcomes movement set a strong foundation for athletic training education. Athletic training education has evolved, and the correlation between mastery learning and current athletic training education is less strong. The field of athletic training education should not exist in a vacuum, yet our publications make little mention of our wider educational roots. A clear view of historical educational foundations and current practice will enhance planned systemic and local program reform.