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Maths Anxiety
More research is currently being released on the issue of maths anxiety. For many years people had the belief that a negative attitude towards mathematics stems from a negative mindset or previous negative experiences towards their mathematical experiences.
For some, this is still true but more and more evidence is showing a real issue of maths anxiety. Maths anxiety isn't just a fleeting nervousness before a maths test; it's a genuine, deep-seated dread of numbers that affects many children – and even extends to adults (Dr Rebecca Ramone, 2023). Lots of maths anxiety has developed from a lack of understanding of how maths is learnt and that maths can be empowering to all who experience it in a positive way. For those people whose experience of mathematics has been based on a results-focused education where the value of the learning has only been on the answers can often lead to negative experiences and attitudes towards a learning area where exploration and problem-solving of real-life problems should be valued.
Research shows that maths anxiety can affect both males and females, but is often seen more prominently in females.
So what can we do for students, and even adults who experience maths anxiety? Dr . Rebecca Ramone from the University of South Australia recommends these 10 tips:
- Stay positive
- Celebrate effort
- Introduce real world problems
- Encourage risk-taking
- Seek resources
- Communicate with teachers
- Mindfulness and relaxation
- Breaking gender stereotypes
- Seek external help
- Create a study friendly environment
To gain a greater understanding of maths anxiety please feel free to read the below article which gives you greater information.