Overcoming Math Anxiety

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Overcoming Math anxiety

Overcoming Math Anxiety

by Irene Helen Zundel

Multiplication is vexation,

Division is just as bad;

The Rule of Three perplexes me,

And Practice drives me mad.

– Old Rhyme

That little piece of humorous verse could very well have been written by someone afflicted with math anxiety---an emotional reaction to math based on past bad experience, and which hampers future learning.

While many of us may have had some struggles in learning new math concepts---and even pulled out some hair in frustration!---those experiences didn't necessarily lead to our developing a true math phobia. We muddled through the homework, crammed for the next test, and eventually went on to the next set of lessons.

With people who have math anxiety, the problem is more severe. They feel so much stress in learning math; they actually suffer physical and mental symptoms that hinder their ability to learn.

How can I tell if I have math anxiety? Take this little quiz:

Do you fear math tests more than any other kind of exam?

Does your mind go blank when you look at a math problem?

Does math homework, or the thought of an upcoming test, give you a sick stomach, racing heart, sweaty palms, or other physical symptoms?

Do you experience anxiety when called to the board to solve a problem in class?

Does your mind wander for long periods in math class?

Do you dread being asked to explain an answer for a math problem?

If you answered “yes” to most or all of those questions, then you have math anxiety.

Although the problem can feel overwhelming at times, there are ways to overcome it.

Here are a few pointers to help you out:

First, realize that the following beliefs you might hold, are just myths:

1. Math ability is inborn

2. Girls aren’t good at math like boys are

3. Math is for nerds

4. I have to be a genius to do all that calculating

Second, understand that math is a language. You have to understand its symbols and definitions to make sense of the problems and how to solve them. Be sure you memorize all the terms, rules and theories you need to know before you start solving problems.

Third, realize that math is a progressive study. Each new level is built on the ones that preceded it. If you haven’t mastered fractions, decimals and percents, you will be totally lost in Algebra I, for example. Be sure you know the basics before moving on.

Fourth, break each looming, intimidating, giant-sized problem into individual parts or steps. Use a methodical approach. For example, ask yourself, “What kind of problem am I being asked to solve? What theory, definition or formula do I need to apply here?” then solve the problem step by step.

Fifth, if one technique is stumping you, try another approach you are comfortable with.

Many math problems can be solved more than one way. For example, one year in homeschool, I gave my son this problem:

A ten-foot flagpole in my back yard casts a shadow of twenty feet. An eighteen-foot tall tyrannosaurus drops by to check it out. How large of a shadow will he make?

Instantly, David replied, “36 feet.”

I marveled, because I hadn’t yet explained to him about ratios and proportions and how to set up and solve the problems. When I asked how he arrived at the answer, he said,

“Easy. The shadow the flagpole cast was twice as long as it’s height. To find the shadow the dinosaur made, I just multiplied his height by two.”

Finally, go easy on yourself when you are studying math. Take it slowly if you need to. Breathe deeply. Take a five-minute break to stretch and regroup if you are getting overwhelmed.

If you need some more pointers, read these helpful books and visit these websites:

Overcoming Math Anxiety

by Randy Davidson, Ellen Levitov

Addison-Wesley Publishing;

2nd edition (April 2000)

ISBN: 0321069188

Math A 4 Letter Word: The Math Anxiety Handbook

by Angela Sembera, Michael Hovis

Wimberley Press

2nd edition (June 1990)

ISBN: 0962703605

Conquering Math Anxiety: A Self-Help Workbook (with CD-ROM)