Employing the Farkota Direct Instruction model, Elementary Math Mastery (EMM) strikes a balance between teacher-directed and student-directed learning. Recognising that some skills are better acquired through one approach and some through the other, EMM consists of scripted daily lessons composed of strands each starting at base level where foundations are laid. These strands proceed to build on the foundations moving through the particular concepts involved whilst all the time inter-relating with the other strands being run concurrently.