Understanding Math Anxiety & Overcoming It Altogether
True story: Many moons ago, I was in my high school Algebra 2 class taking a test. I was so nervous that even though I had studied and knew the material, my mind went completely blank. I couldn’t recall anything I was supposed to do. I sat there becoming increasingly more nervous until I ran out of time, got up, and handed in my very blank math test. The clearest memory I have of this event is of the very moment I sat back down in my seat after turning in my test. Literally, the moment my butt hit the chair, I remembered everything I had forgotten. Talk about a crash course on the power of our minds!
As an adult, I can now recognize that test anxiety often stems from math anxiety, a challenge many students also face. I’ve unfortunately seen so many students struggle with math anxiety not just on tests, but the second any math class begins. Math anxiety is absolutely one of the biggest barriers when it comes to students learning math. Knowing this, let’s take a closer look at why so many students suffer from math anxiety, and what can be done about it.
Why is there so much anxiety around math?
Self Perception. Many students have bought into the idea that they just can’t do math, or that they don’t have a ‘math brain’. So many adults have said this about themselves, and our kids who hear this easily believe this to be true, adopting a similar mindset.
Performance pressure. Math is often seen as a subject where students are expected to quickly solve a large number of numerical problems without making any mistakes. This line of reasoning leaves no room for students to make mistakes, learn from those mistakes, or have time to build various problem-solving strategies along the way. This expectation easily contributes to performance anxiety for math learners.
Society Expectations. Math is often seen as a high-value class that students need to be good at in order to be successful in life. There can be societal and cultural pressure for students to always perform well in math, which can really take a toll on a student’s confidence and contribute towards self-doubt.
If you’re interested in learning more, this short video does a great job of explaining why there is so much anxiety about math.
Professor Carol Dweck gives an amazing talk on the importance of having a growth mindset. I highly recommend watching this video when you have 10 minutes to spare.
What can be done about math anxiety?
Mindfulness. The video suggests using mindfulness techniques to help students in moments when they are feeling anxious about math, which is a wonderful idea. Meditation and deep breathing techniques are great ways to reduce stress and promote a sense of calmness and focus. By incorporating mindfulness practices into their daily routine, students can learn to recognize and manage their feelings of anxiety more effectively.
Promoting a Growth Mindset. Students with math anxiety often have a fixed mindset, which means they have very limited beliefs about what they can achieve in math. Promoting a growth mindset encourages students to embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and believe in their ability to improve over time.
Here are some examples of transforming a fixed mindset into a growth mindset:
Fixed
I can’t figured out this problem
I can’t do math
Mistakes mean I’m not smart
Success in math means having high grades
Growth
I haven’t figured it out yet
Math is a challenge I can overcome
Mistakes help me learn and are part of the process
Math success means putting in my best effort to overcome challenges
Your support is CRUCIAL for overcoming math anxiety
As adults who support students who may struggle with math anxiety, I encourage you to think about ways you can support your child by having a growth mindset when it comes to math. Remember, the mind is very powerful and can be influenced by the beliefs and attitudes we hold. By fostering a growth mindset in your child, you are equipping them with the tools they need to approach math challenges with confidence and resilience. Encourage them to view mistakes as opportunities for learning and growth, and celebrate their progress and effort along the way. With your support and encouragement, they can develop a positive mindset that will serve them well not only in math but in all areas of their academic and personal lives.
About the Author
Crystal Paul
Let's Learn Together!
I’m on a mission to empower students to embrace challenges and cultivate a belief in themselves that they can learn and grow! If you’re ready to help your middle schooler rewrite the narrative around their math education, schedule a free 15-minute consultation to learn how virtual math tutoring can help.