Math fear and anxiety are what some students experience. Students that struggle in mathematics interpret the struggle as they are not good math students. However, this is a misconception. As they struggle to understand, it means they possess necessary critical thinking skills. Thus, critical thinking skills give them the ability to be an excellent student of mathematics.
At times, it is the process of teaching a problem that is confusing to most students. Thus, students shut down and avoid mathematics completely. Avoidance causes a lack of confidence and competence. Many times, traditional methods of teaching mathematics cause a lack of understanding and anxiety.
Losing the Fear of Math
Working with numbers and problem solving is most important to students because of its integration into most subjects.
First, educators and parents must take the fear of math away from the student. To do this, the focus must be taken away from the student. Let them know the problem is a challenge and some will struggle to complete. Students need a positive mindset. Therefore, avoid negative phrases and unsuccessful thoughts.
In the fact that many students need to touch, see, and hear while learning, educators and parents must use a variety of strategies that incorporate active learning in the field of mathematics.
Anxiety in Students
There are many ideas of why students get anxious in math class. As a young student struggles with learning numbers, it is possible the anxiety begins to develop. However, there is no research on this idea. Another thought is social influence. Thoughts and statements on math influence a student. In addition, time limits on tests cause math anxiety. Lastly, a teacher with math anxiety unconsciously displays it to the students.
Struggling in mathematics is challenging and normal. A positive attitude for calculating and solving problems involving numbers is most important in the elimination of fear, hate, or anxiety. Strategies for the improvement of skills include using real-world situations or brain teasers that focus on numbers rather than memorization. Math is a necessary skill to use every day throughout life. Thus, students must lose their fear of math. It is the most important subject because of its integration in many subjects as well as in life.
