The applications, illustrations, and examples are very engaging to students and teachers. Interactive software may be used to further increase student interest. The program makes a serious attempt to present mathematical concepts by looking at patterns, proofs, problems, and examples. It thereby attempts to develop understanding in students and present mathematics in both inductive and deductive ways. The focus upon moving from specific examples, to conjectures, to generalizations, with constant review, is a strong component of the program.
Every chapter makes connections with other disciplines and across the mathematical strands.
During a lesson, students have an opportunity to gain depth of understanding of key conceptual ideas while explaining their thinking and understanding of a problem and its solution. The emphasis on students' communication of their reasoning makes higher order thinking an important attribute of the program. The use of long-term investigations is an excellent means for students to form a solid and deep understanding of mathematical concepts. These are challenging and inviting to students including lower level students, students with language barriers, and accelerated students. Teachers gain ongoing knowledge of student mastery of material from group activities and student assignments.