MathScore.com® applies mastery-based learning principles
to enable students to learn math efficiently. Our approach is often referred
to as "scaffolding". Our system is structured so that
it develops competency one topic at a time, and builds upon that competency in
more difficult topics by assuming that the student has learned all
prerequisite skills.
For example, our Fraction Simplification topic focuses on how to simplify a
variety of fractions, including mixed fractions and improper fractions. When
a student makes a mistake, we display a nice step-by-step explanation for how
to properly simplify that fraction. However, when the student works on our
Fraction Addition topic and makes a mistake, our solution explanation assumes
that the student knows how to simplify fractions. Therefore, in the solution
explanation, we don't show the steps for how to simplify a fraction; we simply
focus on the steps for adding fractions and we display fraction simplification
as one step without showing the details. That's the essence of scaffolding -
we remove the support steps for fraction simplification because we assume that
the student is now self-reliant in that skill.
Benjamin Bloom pioneered this approach with his Learning for Mastery model,
with refinements made by Block. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mastery_learning
for more information.
Need a Math Intervention Program?
MathScore aligns with the latest research for
math intervention programs.
We also align with the NCTM's Curriculum Focal Points.
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