While math often strikes fear into the hearts of students, it doesn’t have to be that way. The secret to making math less intimidating lies not in the subject itself, but in how it’s taught.

Since 1990, Demme Learning has been at the forefront of innovative math solutions, particularly in small-group settings. Our approach to math instruction has significantly impacted how students engage with mathematical concepts, turning potential math anxiety into math mastery.

Small-group math instruction offers many benefits, including personalized learning, improved student engagement, and opportunities for peer collaboration. Demme Learning’s Math-U-See program is designed to maximize these advantages by helping to create an environment where students can thrive, build their math skills, and develop a genuine love for the subject.

Why Demme Learning?

Demme Learning has a long history of providing quality educational resources. Our commitment to effective math instruction is evident in our carefully crafted curriculum, which is tailored for small group learning environments. The Math-U-See program stands out for its mastery-based approach and use of manipulatives to make abstract concepts concrete.

What sets Demme Learning apart is our understanding that every student learns differently. Our math curriculum is designed to accommodate various learning styles, making math accessible to all students, regardless of their previous experiences or challenges with the subject. Since 1990, this inclusive approach has made Demme Learning a favorite among educators and parents alike, especially those looking for effective small-group math instruction methods.

Whether it is collaborative laboratory work or joint research projects, small group learning is a cornerstone of the educational experience. Demme Learning’s Math-U-See curriculum provides a tailored, mastery-focused approach to small-group math instruction that changes how students interact with mathematical concepts.

Let’s examine the specific features that make Demme Learning effective for small-group instruction:

How Demme Learning Reimagines Small Group Math Learning

Mastery-Based Learning Approach

The goal of a mastery-based approach is to ensure that each student fully understands the concepts before moving on to the next. Demme Learning’s Math-U-See is tailor-made for mastering concepts over rote memorization. When students focus on conceptual understanding rather than the simple memorization of math facts, they gain a solid mathematical foundation.

If you were taught multiplication in grade school, you probably remember timed multiplication assessments, which encourage memorization rather than conceptual understanding. Our approach at Demme Learning is to emphasize the concept of multiplication as repeated addition, a skill students tend to intuitively grasp. Once this concept is understood, the focus then becomes visualizing multiplication by building rectangles with the blocks. Students work toward mastery by utilizing the Build, Write, Say method, where students show their processes by building the problem with manipulatives, working through the problem by writing down their solutions step by step, and telling others how they solved the problem by saying why they chose the steps they did.   

This mastery-based approach ensures that each learner has a solid grasp of fundamental concepts before moving on to more advanced topics.

For example, in a first-grade classroom that uses Math-U-See, students can spend several small group sessions mastering addition and solving for the unknown addend before moving on to subtraction. Using integer blocks, the teacher provides a visual, concrete representation of the abstract concept that will help students as they progress into multi-digit problems. By using Demme Learning’s Integer Block Kit, the teacher can help make connections between concepts and address any misconceptions.

Tailored Instruction

One of the biggest benefits for instructors in a small group setting is their ability to cater to the specific needs of each student. In a small group setting, students can proceed at their own pace without feeling overwhelmed to keep up with large classes. 

To help teachers address varied learning styles, Math-U-See offers manipulatives, digital tools, and clear instructional strategies. Whether students are visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learners, Demme Learning’s resources are adaptable to ensure that everyone can engage with the material effectively.

This tailored approach is particularly beneficial in a math workshop setting. The teacher can rotate between small groups, providing targeted instruction based on each group’s needs. For instance, one group might be working on basic addition using blocks, while another group is tackling addition word problems.

Hands-On Learning with Manipulatives

One of the standout features of Demme Learning’s math curriculum is the use of manipulatives. These physical tools allow students to explore abstract mathematical concepts in a concrete way. In small groups, students can collaborate and use manipulatives to solve problems together to gain a deeper understanding of mathematical principles.

For example, when teaching place values in a small group math exercise, students might use decimal street and the integer block kit to represent numbers. This way, students can visualize the digits and make it easier to comprehend and remember for later use. 

Flexible Learning

Demme Learning provides a flexible curriculum that can be easily adapted to meet the specific needs of small groups. Teachers can adjust lessons based on where the group is struggling or excelling. There are multiple practice pages that can be implemented according to the needs of each student. Some might only need to complete one, while others need three or more. This flexibility allows all students, regardless of their current math proficiency, to benefit from lessons that are neither too easy nor too challenging but just right for their level.

In practice, this might mean that during a math block, the teacher breaks the group into smaller groups based on their current understanding of a concept. One group might need additional practice with basic multiplication facts, while another is ready to apply multiplication to fractions. With resources for both scenarios, the Math-U-See curriculum allows the teacher to provide differentiated instruction seamlessly.

Encouraging Peer Interaction

As students work together to solve problems using these manipulatives, they’re not just learning math; they’re developing important collaboration and communication skills. At Demme Learning, we believe that collaboration among peers can help students learn from one another. 

When students explain mathematical concepts to their peers, they reinforce their understanding while helping others grasp complex concepts. This collaborative environment builds confidence and encourages active participation.

As an example, students in a third-grade classroom might work in small groups to solve a complex word problem. As they work together, they can discuss different strategies, explain their thinking to each other, and collectively arrive at a solution. This process deepens their understanding of math concepts and fosters communication and teamwork.

Ongoing Assessment and Feedback

Demme Learning provides the tools for continuous assessment, giving teachers the ability to monitor progress in real time and give immediate feedback to their students. This allows misunderstandings to be addressed promptly so students stay on track in their learning journey. Regular assessments also help adjust the group’s learning plan as needed.

In a small group setting, these assessments can be informal and ongoing. For example, as students work on math problems close by, the instructor can observe their work, ask probing questions, and provide immediate feedback. 

Digital Learning Tools

Demme Learning’s Digital Toolbox gives students and teachers access to online content and tools to practice concepts, watch instructional videos, and additional practice problems for a variety of concepts. These digital resources are especially useful for differentiated instruction, ensuring each student’s unique needs are met even within a group setting. Contact our customer support team to learn more about gaining full access to the Digital Toolbox. 

If one group is working directly with the teacher, for example, another group might be using tablets to practice their math skills. Blending digital and traditional learning helps cater to different learning styles and keeps students engaged throughout the math block.

Real-Life Applications and Success Stories

The effectiveness of Demme Learning in small group settings is evident in the success stories shared by educators and parents. These testimonials highlight how the Math-U-See program has recharged math instruction across different educational settings and improved student outcomes.

• In a co-op. S.A.L.T. Academy Co-Op is a longtime user of the Math-U-See (MUS) curriculum. She said the program’s blend of in-class small group instruction and at-home support has been highly effective.

“SALT has used MUS as our Math Curriculum for the past ten years,” co-op Director Tammy Arnold said. “The format of MUS allows teachers to provide instruction and one-to-one assistance to students while letting the families use the DTB [Digital Toolbox] at home for additional resources.”

• In a homeschool group. Homeschool mom Amanda Burg shared how clear explanations and instructional videos helped her son grasp complex Algebra 2 concepts in their homeschool group. 

“My son and I were discussing this after we finished watching the video for lesson 5 in Algebra 2: ‘I don’t believe it’s that MUS is easier than other curriculums, but rather Mr. Demme has a gift for explaining difficult and complex concepts in a way that anyone can understand,’” she said. “We are so grateful for this curriculum!” 

Empowering Students to Excel in Mathematics

Whether in the classroom or during supplemental tutoring sessions, Demme Learning’s math program equips students with the skills and confidence they need to excel in math. By establishing a love for mathematics and building strong foundations, Demme Learning can transform small-group math learning and pave the way for future mathematical success.

As we look to the future of math education, it’s clear that prioritizing understanding over memorization and personalization over general-purpose instruction will play an important role in developing the next generation of mathematical thinkers and problem-solvers.

Ready to learn more about how Demme Learning products are great for small group settings? Download our PDF with tips for using each of our programs.

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