The application of layered teaching method in college mathematics teaching can improve the traditional teaching method of lecturing, thus promoting the individualized development of students and improving learning efficiency. This paper first discusses the significance of applying layered teaching in college mathematics teaching, and then designs layered teaching methods, which are layered for students, instructional objectives, teaching and homework. Finally, taking the course of “the concept of derivative” in college mathematics as an example, the case design of hierarchical teaching is carried out.