What is Math Anxiety?

Math anxiety is an intense feeling of frustration or helplessness about ones ability to understand and do mathematical functions. People who suffer from math anxiety feel that they are incapable of doing activities that involve math.

Math anxiety is actually an emotional, rather than intellectual, problem. However, math anxiety interferes with a person's ability to learn math and therefore results in an intellectual problem.

Students suffering from Math anxiety experience it in various levels of intensity but some fear of it so much that simply going to math class is a challenge for them.

Math anxiety can cause one to forget and lose one's self-confidence. Research confirms that pressure of timed tests and risk of public embarrassment have long been recognized as sources of unproductive tension among many students.

Therefore, incorrect responses must be handled in a positive way to encourage student participation and enhance student confidence.

Cause of Math Anxiety:

Math anxiety is usually related to a bad math experience from a person's past. He/she might be embarrassed or punished in front of a sibling or group of friends when failing to correctly complete a math problem by a parent or teacher.

Such bad events a lasting impression on the person if he/she felt ashamed or embarrassed in front of others. Such an experience can leave a student believing him or herself deficient in math ability.

Math anxiety is also believed to develop due to the teaching methods used in our public and private colleges. Large and time deadline of math tests and are two common traits of a math class that will contribute to math anxiety of the student.

Symptoms of Math Anxiety:

Psychological Symptoms:

• Confusion.
• Lack of confidence.
• Panic-Stricken Worry.
• Negative thoughts.
• Sudden Memory Loss.

Physiological Symptoms:

• Rapid heart beat.
• Sweating.
• Nausea.
• Stomach disorders.
• Headaches.

How to Deal With Math Anxiety?

• Review and learn basic mathematic principles and methods. A short course of mathematic is often a significant first step in decreasing the anxiety response to math.
• Parents can help their children overcome math anxiety through positive reinforcement of the child's intelligence and skills. Instead of giving a student negative criticism for doing poorly on a test.
• Work on building a positive attitude towards math. This will build self-confidence and thus reduce anxiety.
• Be aware of thoughts, feelings, and actions as they are related to math. If you are aware of irrational thoughts you can work to replace those thoughts with more positive and realistic ones.
• Teachers must re-examine traditional teaching methods which often do not match students' learning styles and skills needed in society.
• Psychologists and counselors can help students analyze their psychological response to math and develop effective coping strategies.
• Lessons must be presented in a variety of ways.
• Learn anxiety reduction and management techniques. Anxiety can greatly interfere with concentration, clear thinking, attention and memory.