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OVERCOME MATH ANXIETY

Math anxiety is a common but conquerable challenge. Many students develop math fear based on the notion that they cannot do math.

I am here to tell you that “YOU CAN OVERCOME YOUR MATH ANXIETY”.

Overcoming Math phobia can be easy once the right mindset, strategies and support is adopted.

Before getting into how to overcome math anxiety, let’s first understand the causes of Math Anxiety.

What is Math anxiety anyway?

We all experience anxieties towards one thing or another. Some are mild, while others are so strong that they can be debilitating.

A Math anxiety is one of those intense fear and anxiety toward anything related to studying mathematics.  Many students, young or old, experience this during their academic learning. For most, this extreme anxiety comes as a result of past negative experiences, societal stereotyping or self-doubt. This formulates the concept that studying a math course is associated with failure. Students with this mentality feel that they lack the ability to grasp math concepts leading them to avoid math classes, resulting in a poor math background and lack of knowledge of basic math skills. This creates a larger gap in understanding mathematical concepts.

What causes Math anxiety?

1. Teaching Methods

Not all Learners are created equal.  Individuals learn differently. Traditional teaching methods are not suited for everyone. Not being able to understand or follow a traditional teaching method will result in severe anxiety towards studying math.

2. Lack of Practice

Math requires PRACTICE and a lot of it.  The more a student practices a difficult concept the higher the chances of understanding the topic and excelling in solving the problem.  Avoiding practicing will lead to fear and anxieties toward this subject.

3. Negative past experiences

Difficult past experiences are very harmful to students. Struggling in math early on, receiving bad grades, facing harsh criticism from teachers or getting discouraging remarks from parents can create lasting fears and anxieties towards math.

4. Peer Pressure and parent expectations

It is unfortunate that we live in a world where peer pressure plays a big role in a persons’ confidence or lack of.  Students get this pressure at school.  A math student doing poorly will develop severe anxieties and math fears when comparing themselves with other peers.

Parents’ expectations of their children are another factor that results in poor performance and increase fears.

5. Stereotyping

Stereotyping a student by stating that some are naturally good at math while others are not can only discourage efforts and create more anxieties.

What are the Effects of Math anxiety?

Math anxieties can have the following effects on students:

• Poor academic performance.
• Avoiding math-related tasks or careers.
• Reducing problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Increasing stress and anxiety.

It is advisable to address math anxiety early to help overcome it and thus prevent the negative outcomes. This can result in the individual developing a positive attitude toward mathematics and thus enhance a strong math relationship.

How to Overcome Math anxiety?

1. Change your mindset

“EVERYONE CAN DO MATH AND SO CAN YOU”.  Learn this statement and adopt it when you are studying your math class. Adopt a positive attitude and believe that, with the right strategies, resources and techniques, everyone can truly learn math.

Mistakes happen in any subject so don’t let the mistake you make in math discourage you from this subject and send you into an anxiety mode.  Consider your mistakes as an opportunity to learn the concept and do better next time.

2. Adopt good study skills

Adopting good study habits is essential in overcoming your math anxiety.  Follow the steps below to develop strong study skills and improve your performance:

• Follow a consistent study schedule daily.
• Study in a quiet place that has minimal distractions so you can focus.
• Take good notes in class. Use summarization methods like bullet points.
• Engage in the class by asking questions, giving comments.
• Do your homework regularly.
• Take regular breaks during your study session to stay focused.
• Stay health by adopting good eating habits and getting adequate hours of sleep.

3. Develop a strong foundation

Build from the basics. Review the basic math concept and learn them well before tackling advanced topics.  Building a strong foundation in math and learning proper problem-solving techniques makes math easier to understand.

4. Practice regularly

The term “Practice makes Perfect” is true especially when studying mathematics.

The study of Mathematics requires understanding of the concepts as well as practicing what is learned. Consistent practice helps reinforce concepts and boost confidence.

Make use of all the online resources, math apps and practice problems available to you to strengthen your skill.

5. Seek help and support

Schools and college offer many free helpful resources for student. Don’t hesitate to make use of all these available resources. Follow the following steps to get the help you need:

• Ask help from teachers, tutors, peers or online communities.
• Attend free tutoring and study sessions offered in your school.
• Participate in math workshops
• Watch video tutorials online.
• Use interactive math apps.
• Seek school personnel that can evaluate your learning style and formulate the best study plan for you.

6. Make Math Fun

• Think of math as a puzzle or game rather than a chore.
• Engage with math-based games, quizzes and puzzles that will make your learning enjoyable rather than fearful.
• Make math a part of daily life, such as calculating expenses, cooking measurements, or playing logic games.

7. Reward your Progress

Set small, achievable goals and celebrate successes. When you acknowledge your improvements, you build motivation and confidence.

8. Use Visualization and Real-Life Applications

Math becomes more engaging when connected to real-life situations. Visual aids, such as graphs, charts, and interactive tools, can enhance understanding. Applying math to practical scenarios, such as budgeting, shopping discounts, or sports statistics, makes it more relatable and enjoyable.

9. Reduce Anxiety with Relaxation Techniques

Practice deep breathing, mindfulness and relaxation exercises before studying math to help calm the mind and improve focus.

10. Stay Persistent

Overcoming any challenge takes time and practice so don’t give up if your anxiety does not go away very quickly.

Be patient with yourself and committed to improving your skills.

With continual persistent, you too can overcome your math anxiety.

With determination and the right strategies, anyone can overcome math anxiety and develop a strong mathematical foundation for academic and everyday success.