Subscribe!
Math AnxietyWhy do we hear about math anxiety and not about reading or social studies anxiety? Why do so many major universities have counseling programs specifically addressing "math anxiety" and why are we so anxious?Here’s what I think... The Problem:Humans don’t like to do things they don’t understand, or are not very good at doing. Pretty simple.The Missing LinkIn my opinion, the primary reason we develop math or any other learning anxiety is because somewhere in our educational lives, we missed something. Maybe we weren’t paying attention. Maybe we had bad teachers. Maybe we just didn’t understand something, and we just never followed up on it.These “gaps” create problems further down the line, until we have so many gaps that we have no idea how to solve a particular math problem. And unless these gaps are “filled”, we continue to have problems, causing further frustration, and eventually...math anxiety. And remember that math is cumulative. In other words, each new concept is progressive on the last concept (think algebra, geometry, algebra II and so on). If you have holes in your understanding of algebra I, those holes will revisit you in algebra II. This is where a well qualified tutor can help. Tutors can discover your gaps, fill them in, then move forward again. If you never fill in the gaps, you’ll be lost, and won’t understand why. Compounding to the problem, there is a tendency to become discouraged, and quit trying altogether. A Different Way to Think of MathMost of us focus on memorizing math formulas or steps. Take it a step further and try to understand math instead of just memorizing. Understanding why numbers do what they do is better than just memorizing a formula (although both are important).The BS Factor: Precision Makes Us AnxiousMath is a precise subject where there are either correct of incorrect answers. You can’t B.S. your way to a correct answer if you don’t know what you’re doing. Unlike an essay question where a vague knowledge of the subject may provide enough fodder for a partially correct answer, a vague knowledge of math won’t get you to the absolute correct answer.How To Combat the AnxietyWhat to do, what to do?As with any other type of anxiety or fear, there are some basic things that we can all do to combat the feelings of dread, or anxiousness. There are many other medical and psychological ways of dealing with math anxiety, but since I’m not a doctor (and don’t play one online) I’ll leave those for the professionals. Ask Questions: You Are Not AloneOne concept, that is hard to impress on kids, is to ask questions. Ask for help immediately when you don’t understand something. Don’t wait until just before the next exam, get help now. If you don’t understand something today, you won’t understand it tomorrow, or next week. Ask questions as they occur.PreparationAs with any other subject, part of math anxiety is a fear of not being prepared. This is a secondary reason why we develop math anxiety. Read my page on study techniques for general study strategies. Early preparation is key, and allow yourself enough time to “fill in the gaps” as you discover them.The anxiety that comes from feeling unprepared comes from not knowing. Thus, knowing will relieve some of the anxiety, and being prepared is the best defense to the unknown. Preparation for classes, and preparation for exams is mandatory. Prepare yourself for class because the more you know about the subject before you start studying, the more sense it will make. And of course, studying math is like shooting free throws in basketball...practice makes perfect. There is a tremendous amount of information to help you be better prepared, and reduce math anxiety. Search the internet, seek clarification or help from your teacher, seek out tutoring, form study groups, and for college students, many colleges have counseling for math anxiety along with tutoring. Close Your Eyes and Say AaaahhhhmmmmmMeditate. What? Meditate. OK, this might not be your cup of tea, but spend a little time before a math test, or any test for that matter, and center yourself. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and make your mind still. Don’t allow yourself to think about anything, just focus on your breath. When your mind begins thinking about something, gently bring it back to emptiness. Create a “still mind”.Meditation is great relaxation, and feeling prepared and relaxed will help you in pressure situations. Meditation isn’t just for monks in the far east. Meditation helps ordinary people prepare for their day, relax after their day is done, and generally create a healthful mental state We all know the feeling of panic, when thoughts randomly race through our heads. Meditation helps to focus or thoughts, and generally helps keep us calm instead of getting caught up in panic mode. The Funny Side of MathMath lacks humor. There isn’t anything funny about math...at least that’s how I was taught. But we all know that a little humor relieves tension and stress. So prepare, relax, and always see the humor in the things you do and experience.Return from Math Anxiety to TutorTrend Homepage
|
