Lessons at the Classical Liberal Arts Academy (CLAA) follow a rigorous, mastery-based arrangement designed to ensure deep understanding and long-term retention rather than mere completion. The framework is adapted from CLAA’s “How to Study for Mastery” guidance and classical models of education.
1. Lesson Preview
- A short introduction presents the **objective** of the lesson: what the student is to learn, why it matters, and how it fits into the overall course.
- The student is encouraged to review prerequisites or earlier lessons if needed, so the new material is connected to prior learning.
2. Initial Study / Reading
- The student reads the primary material (text, textbook section, source-reading) attentively, without rushing.
- The reading phase is often broken into manageable chunks; students may mark or annotate the text to identify key ideas, definitions, or arguments.
- The goal is full comprehension of the reading—not skimming or superficial exposure.
3. Memorization and Internalization (Comprehension)
- After reading, the student engages in memorization of key facts, definitions, passages, formulas, or vocabulary relevant to the lesson.
- Internalization ensures the student has the material “in mind” and can call upon it without dependence on notes or prompts.
4. Practice and Application
- The student completes exercises designed to apply what was learned: translation tasks, problem-solving, short answers, essays, logical analysis, or recitations depending on subject.
- These tasks reinforce the reading and memorization phases and help the student work through understanding and skill application.
5. Assessment for Mastery (Demonstration)
- A formal assessment (quiz, test, translation check, problem set) is given. The standard for passing is high (often 90 % or greater) to ensure true mastery.
- If the student fails to meet the standard, they return to the reading/memorization/application phases, review weak points, and retake the assessment until mastery is demonstrated.
6. Reflection and Consolidation
- Once the assessment is passed, the student reflects on the lesson: reviewing what was learned, how it connects with previous lessons, and how it can be used in future work.
- The student may take notes on challenges faced and lessons learned, making future study more effective.
7. Progression to the Next Lesson
- With mastery verified and consolidation completed, the student moves on to the next lesson in sequence.
- The cycle repeats: preview → reading → memorization → practice → assessment → reflection → next.
Summary
- Lessons are structured in clearly defined phases: preview, reading, memorization, application, assessment, reflection, and progression.
- Movement to the next lesson depends on **mastery**, not simply on time spent or completion of tasks.
- The arrangement ensures students build solid foundations, internalize knowledge, apply it, and then move forward with confidence.
- This mastery-based structure distinguishes CLAA’s classical approach from modern programs that often advance by age, time or seat-hours.