Skip to content

Tailored small-group mathematics intervention with screening, dialog-based teaching and an adaptive learning path

Design · All designs
Evidence · 1 claim (1 for) · 1 study (1 causal), q3 · 1 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description

A 12-week small-group mathematics instruction intervention for the 20% lowest achievers, inspired by Math Recovery but with an adaptive learning path and assessment by the intervention teachers themselves. "Common to all of them was that they began with an investigative screening-test and -conversation, mapping pupils' understanding of mathematics, deficiencies (math holes) and their emotional perception of mathematics." Teaching was dialog-based, in 25–35 minute sessions four times per week, using specially developed materials, with teachers working to fill math holes and improve vocabulary, motivation and desire for learning.

Design Implications

Context

Requirements

  • Teachers participated in a four-day preparation course; coached arms added a three-day coaching course for the school mathematics coordinator

Constraints

  • Only around 50% of the intended 48 sessions were actually held, particularly in grade 8 due to cancellations

Target Learners

  • Low-achieving pupils in mathematics, the 20% lowest scorers in grades 2 and 8 in Danish public schools

Learning Goals

  • Mathematics competencies across curriculum areas, including filling individual math holes, mathematical vocabulary, and motivation for learning

Claims

Examples

-

Key Sources

  • Rosholm, M., Tonnesen, P. B., Rasmussen, K., Overgaard, S., Færch, J. V., Malm, S. G. & Harder, J. (2025). A tailored small group instruction intervention in mathematics benefits low achievers. npj Science of Learning 10, 18. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41539-025-00310-9
Page metadata
Field Value
type design
id tailored-math-small-group-intervention-element
title Tailored small-group mathematics intervention with screening, dialog-based teaching and an adaptive learning path
description A 12-week small-group mathematics instruction intervention for the 20% lowest achievers, inspired by Math Recovery but with an adaptive learning path and assessment by the intervention teachers themselves.
status review
generated by process:settle-candidates on 2026-10-26
trust unverified — no one has confirmed this page's content
sources 1 — rosholm-2025

Frontmatter is the page's machine-readable record — see the Schema & Guide.