Tackling Math Anxiety

Many will have heard, or even said themselves, the following statement - “I’m just not a maths person.”

This is a myth. 

The truth is, everyone is a maths person. We can all understand, and even enjoy maths, if given the time to explore it. While it is undeniable that some students perform better than others in Mathematics, research has shown that this is not due a genetic disposition for mathematical thinking. Instead, it is often the result of positive experiences with the subject and/or increased exposure to, and practise of, mathematical concepts. 

The myth of the ‘maths person’ is a dangerous one, as the belief that you are either naturally good or bad at mathematics, can become a self-fulfilling prophecy that can have a destructive effect on learning and decrease the likelihood of experiencing success in the subject. 

As we begin 2021, I would like to ask the families of Kinross Wolaroi School students to take time to reflect upon the way Mathematics is talked about at home and to offer 5 tips on how to combat ‘math anxiety’.

1. If your child finds Maths difficult, encourage persistence and help them to understand that working through problems is a vital part of the learning process. (Research has shown that parental support and encouragement is a major contributor to student success.)
2. Avoid talking negatively about Mathematics. Discourage language like ‘It’s too hard’ or ‘I can’t do it’ and encourage a mindset that looks at difficulties as something they ‘can’t do YET.’
3. Remember you don’t need to know that answers to help your children with their schoolwork. Just ask questions that help them to think it through; ‘Is there an example in your textbook that is similar?’, ‘Can you show me what you have done so far’, What is the question asking you to do?
4. Encourage your child to be proactive in asking their teacher questions when they find a concept confusing.
5. Help your child ‘find the maths’ in the everyday. Any activity that involves time, money, measurement, ordering, travelling, constructing (the list goes on) provides small opportunities to engage in mathematical thinking. Discuss with your children where you use maths in your own profession.

Doing these things with your children can help to foster an inquisitive approach to Mathematics and lead to a positive approach to learning in the subject. 

If you’ve read this far – firstly, well done! You also might be thinking, of course the Head of Mathematics would try to encourage people to see the value in their subject, but these tips can be applied to any learning area your child finds challenging or ‘boring.’

Mathematics is not a talent. It is a skill that can developed through curiosity and effort. It is the universal language of ideas which illuminates the world and anyone can speak it.