Math anxiety or fear of math is actually quite common. Math anxiety is quite similar to stage fright. Why does someone suffer stage fright? Fear of something going wrong in front of a crowd? Fear of forgetting the lines? Fear of being judged poorly? Fear of going completely blank? Math anxiety conjures up fear of some type. The fear that one won’t be able to do the math or the fear that it’s too hard or the fear of failure which often stems from having a lack of confidence. For the most part, math anxiety is the fear about doing the math right, our minds draw a blank and we think we’ll fail and of course the more frustrated and anxious our minds become, the greater the chance for drawing blanks. Added pressure of having time limits on math tests and exams also cause the levels of anxiety grow for many students.

REASONS FOR MATH ANXIETY

Usually math anxiety stems from unpleasant experiences in mathematics. Typically some people with math phobia have had math presented in such a fashion that it led to limited understanding. Unfortunately, math anxiety is often due to poor teaching and poor experiences in math, which typically leads to math anxiety. Many of the students with math anxiety have demonstrated an over reliance on procedures in math as opposed to actually understanding the math. When one tries to memorize procedures, rules and routines without much understanding, the math is quickly forgotten and panic soon sets in. Understanding the math is critical. Once students realize they can do the math, the whole notion of math anxiety can be overcome. Teachers and parents have an important role to ensure students understand the math being presented to them.

Myths and Misconceptions
None of the following are true!

• You’re born with a math gene, either you get it or you don’t.
• Math is for males, females never get math!
• It’s hopeless and much too hard for average people.
• If the logical side of your brain isn’t your strength, you’ll never do well in math.
• Math is a cultural thing, my culture never got it!
• There’s only one right way to do math.

HOW TO HELP STUDENTS OVERCOME MATH ANXIETY

1. A positive attitude will help. However, positive attitudes come with quality teaching for understanding, which often isn’t the case with many traditional approaches to teaching mathematics.

2. Make students ask questions and be determined to ‘understand the math’. The students shouldn’t settle for anything less during instruction. Teachers should provide clear illustrations and or demonstrations or simulations.

3. Encourage students to practice regularly, especially when they are having difficulty.

4. Teachers should group students and get them to work with peers that understand the math. Sometimes it just takes a different approach for students to understand some of the concepts.

5. Teach students not to just read over their notes but do the math. They should practice the math and make sure they can honestly state that they understand what they are doing.

6. Be persistent and don’t over emphasize the fact that we all make mistakes. Remember, some of the most powerful learning stems from making a mistake.