The effect of mastery-based learning in an Atmospheric Science Data Analysis and Visualization course

Mastery-based learning is an alternative grading system in which students progress through course material by demonstrating mastery over specific content, often with multiple attempts, before moving on to additional course content. This pedagogy has been shown to promote a growth mindset in students and in qualitative studies has shown a reduction in student anxiety. This study presents a mixed methods approach to examining the effects of a mastery-based learning system in an Atmospheric Science Data Analysis & Visualization course from 2016 to 2023. Likert-scale surveys and opened ended questions reveal that students preferred this method. They reported a greater feeling of autonomy in the learning process, less stress, and an increased sense of perseverance.