Windows won't stop minimizing

I used to be able to keep multiple windows open at once, as in, layered at whatever size I chose all on my screen at the same time. Ever since I got my new mac, it automatically minimizes all of my windows when I click on a new one and puts them on the right of my desktop. I've gone into Dock Settings and have not been able to fix this. I need to keep windows open simultaneously so I can drag and drop items when building documents and presentations. This is driving me nuts and making my work take hours longer! Help please!