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Overcoming Math AnxietyCynthia Bell
Numeracy & Youth SpecialistLiteracy Assistance Center
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Objectives● Establish the effects of Maths Anxiety
● Identify techniques and strategies for dealing with Maths Anxiety
● Discuss how to help teachers conquer their Maths Anxiety
What is Math Anxiety?
Math anxiety is “a feeling of tension, apprehension, or fear that interferes with math performance”Mark Ashcraft - Math Anxiety: Personal, educational and cognitive consequences (2002)
Biological Effects of Math Anxiety
Stanford University School of Medicine concluded that their “findings validate math anxiety as a genuine type of stimulus-and situation-specific anxiety”
Psychological and performance effects❏ “Math anxiety reduces math performance both by reducing engagement
with math tasks and by making these math tasks harder to solve by reducing working memory capacity” Source:
https://www.cne.psychol.cam.ac.uk/the-relationship-between-maths-anxiety-and-maths-performance
❏ Creates “cognitive interference” by generating thoughts and sensations that begin to affect working memory
❏ It can have a negative effect on individuals’ math skills, which in turn leads to adverse effects on their career choices, employment opportunities and professional successes
For Example
A shipper is shipping large crates of iPhones from Hong Kong. Each crate measures 36”x18”x16”. It is filled completely with iPhones, which are in boxes that are 3”x4”x6”. One box falls off of the ship and submerges completely, but is pulled out of the water.
The Wet Phone Task
Overcoming the math anxiety
process
Cognition and beliefs work together. Our self beliefs can affect our brain.
Change a learner’s mindset about their potential and teach a math that is open and free enough for them to learn and grow.
Encourage Student Authorship of Processes and Ideas
Create a positive learning environment
Memory Bank
Develop a memory bank of positive math experiences. Students may use pictures or write down experiences from class and deposit into their bank.
Students can look back at their positive experiences to combat negative self talk.
Other Suggested Techniques for Dealing with MA
Make math relevant Refrain from tying self-esteem to success with math
Accommodate for different learning styles
“Strong Learners Are Made Not Born”
Strengthening Teachers Who Deal with Math
Anxiety
Many teachers who did not intend to teach mathematics have the “highest levels of math anxiety” Source: Conquering Teachers’ Math Anxiety
3 Things a Struggling Teacher Needs❖ A growth mindset
❖ To feel mathematical freedom
❖ Share a sense of discovery with their students
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Contact Information
Cynthia BellNumeracy & Youth Specialist
Literacy Assistance CenterEmail: cynthiab@lacnyc.org
http://dycdlacresources.weebly.com/
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