Teach at the 'Knowledge Frontier'
A mastery-based system detailed by Justin Skycak uses knowledge graphs to teach students only what they're ready to learn next. The method combines this "knowledge frontier" approach with spaced repetition and active practice to compress learning time and boost engagement.
The "knowledge frontier" approach is a core component of mastery-based learning, an instructional model where students progress only after demonstrating a deep understanding of a concept. This prevents knowledge gaps by ensuring learners have mastered prerequisite skills before tackling more advanced topics, a method that contrasts with traditional, time-based classroom progression. This educational strategy is visualized using a knowledge graph, which maps the relationships and dependencies between different concepts. For a student, the "knowledge frontier" represents the boundary between what they have mastered and the new topics they are prepared to learn next. The system was detailed by Justin Skycak, Director of Analytics at Math Academy, who holds a master's in computer science from Georgia Tech. He developed the quantitative software for the adaptive learning platform, which was initially built to support an accelerated math program where students could take AP Calculus BC in 8th grade. The method's efficiency is enhanced by incorporating spaced repetition, a technique that combats the natural forgetting curve by re-exposing students to information at increasing intervals. This process strengthens neural connections and moves information into long-term memory, which is particularly effective when combined with active recall.
