Students all learn via different methods. Some students will hear the information and have no difficulties understanding while other students are hands-on learners who need to pick up an object to understand it. Changing up math teaching methods at the elementary level allows teachers to intervene in areas students are struggling without obviously singling out any child.
Teachers can assign other students or older students in the school to tutor the struggling child or children. This method allows the students to learn by their peers, which is sometimes useful for teachers and allows the child to better understand the math problems. Peers will explain the math concepts differently than a teacher, often making the information more simple or direct.
Math screening is a way of using tests to first identify students with a problem and then getting the children help in the areas they are struggling most. For example, a child might understand math when written in a formula method, but might have problems with word problems. The teacher would find out through screening that children are having problems in one area and will be able to work on that specific area.
Systematic teaching, or teaching in a specific order and according to specific methods, will often help children understand the ideas of the math class and break down the information more easily. Sometimes problems arise when teachers do not follow logical orders.