Specialized assignments in Mastering

Updated 11 May 2023

Most specialized assignments like Dynamic Study Modules don't use the standard Mastering content player. Instead, specialized assignments usually provide a different way for students to answer assignment questions. (An exception to this is Adaptive Follow-Up assignments which do deliver content in the Mastering content player.)

The scores for specialized assignments are grouped by column headings of different colors in the Mastering Gradebook.

For a handy reference, select View Legend above the Total column in the Gradebook. (Offline Activities columns use the same color as Standard Assignments.) You can also filter the Gradebook by category to show only one or more types of assignments.

Specialized assignment type

Appear in students' assignment list & calendar

Adaptive Follow-Ups

(if available with your course)
  • Include standard Mastering Item Library questions that support learning (prerequisite material that includes hints and feedback).
  • Follow-up content is automatically selected for each student based on the student's performance on the Parent assignment.

Yes

Dynamic Study Modules

(if available with your course)
  • Include questions from Pearson that are NOT in the Mastering Item Library.
  • Questions are specially designed and pre-grouped in a module. They are presented in subsets of about eight questions.
  • Questions that aren't answered correctly when they are first presented are presented again until mastery is achieved.

Yes

Learning Catalytics

  • Include questions from the Learning Catalytics question library, NOT from the Mastering Item Library.
  • These questions are from Pearson and from academic-community contributors, along with questions you create in Learning Catalytics.
  • Optionally, scores from a session can be transferred to the Mastering Gradebook.

No

Offline Activities

  • Are conducted completely outside of your Mastering course.
  • For your convenience, scores for these activities can be added to the Mastering Gradebook, and you can associate them with any unreserved category.

No