How To Handle The Anxiety Of Mathematics?

In March, new research revealed that anxiety about mathematics could be fueling a numerical skills crisis one in ten children in the UK suffers despair and anger when they learn mathematics and 33 percent of 15-year-olds at 16 they reported that they had very tense when they had to complete the math homework.

Anxiety about mathematics is clearly generalized and has a significant impact later in life, with low levels of arithmetic linked to everything from lower income for life to poor mental health. Fear of situations related to mathematics can also affect learning in general. This may mean less effective learning patterns in core subjects in secondary and later education and may even affect vocational choices later in life.

Along with many misconceptions about the value and use of mathematics in adult life, the problem is compounded by a culture in the UK where it is surprisingly acceptable to be negative with respect to mathematics. It's not uncommon to hear people say, I'm bad at math or numbers are not my thing, and some even use this as a badge of pride.

Today is the National Numbering Day, which aims to challenge these attitudes by raising awareness of the importance of numerical skills in everyday life. It is the perfect time to encourage a debate about the role that primary education can play in changing the course of anxiety about mathematics by encouraging positivity about numbers.

It is also the week of Sats and there, as always, there is a lot of anxiety about the math tests between students, parents and teachers. Mathematical anxiety is certainly linked to a broader conversation about evaluation and associated tensions. Laboral recognizes this, and recently pledged to dismiss the Sats, saying they would consult parents and teachers about an alternative that prepares children for life, not just exams.

Anxiety about mathematics is different from test anxiety, although they share similar characteristics, and getting rid of exams will not necessarily eliminate anxiety it has deeper cultural roots. Instead, we need to find solutions to math anxiety that start in the classroom and focus on giving children a positive math experience from the start.

Attitudes are formed from the beginning, so it should focus on primary schools, changing the way we teach mathematics and improving the knowledge of our teachers. We must provide a curriculum and resources for teachers that create a solid and supportive framework to develop teachers' knowledge and develop a deep understanding.

By: Preeti Narula

Content: https://www.tes.com/news/how-can-we-tackle-maths-anxiety