In the context of the question, the type of curriculum design that focuses on students advancing once they meet criteria for learning objectives is known as mastery-based learning or mastery learning.
1. Mastery-Based Learning: This approach emphasizes that students progress through the curriculum by demonstrating mastery of specific skills or knowledge before moving on to more advanced topics. Students have the opportunity to continue practicing and learning until they have successfully mastered the material, ensuring a strong foundation before moving forward.
2. Mastery Learning: This method was developed by educational psychologist Benjamin Bloom and is based on the idea that all students can achieve mastery of a subject if provided with appropriate instruction and support. Mastery learning involves breaking down the curriculum into smaller units or objectives, with students progressing once they have demonstrated mastery of each component.
Both mastery-based learning and mastery learning prioritize student understanding and proficiency, ensuring that students are fully prepared to tackle more complex concepts as they advance through the curriculum.