Student Support Services Math
Anxiety Workshop
Do you feel that math anxiety is---limiting your progress?
--’boxing’ you in?
Use this workshop to help
yourself overcome Math
Anxiety. If you have any
questions, please talk to us in
Student Support Services.
Designed by Kathy Lawhorn, Instructional Coordinator, Student Support
Services
Do you have Math Anxiety ?
A Self Test
Rate your answers from 1 to 5; add them up and check the key below.
(1) = Disagree,
(5) = Agree
(page 1 of handout)
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2.
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5.
6.
7.
I hate math class
Math is not so tough now; but, it is going to get really hard soon.
I tune out in math class. I do not mean to do it -it just happens.
I do not really like asking my math teacher questions.
I panic when called on in math class.
I worry much more about math tests than any other kind.
I cannot wait until I don’t have to take any more math.
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Scoring key:
28-35 Yep! You have got it.
21-27 Not exactly comfortable with math, huh?
14-20 Hanging loose.
7- 13 Whew! Cool as a cucumber!
(from http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Quad/4392/anxtest.htm)
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Math Anxiety Workshop
Most of us suffer from Math Anxiety at one
time or another.
In our workshop we want to discuss:
What is math anxiety?
How is it developed?
Why do we need to learn to manage it?
How can you learn to manage it?
Math Anxiety: A vicious circle
By the time we reach college, our math anxiety often has its roots in our
previous math experiences. We had a “bad” math class or a teacher that we
did not get along with and this started a negative spiral.
We became apprehensive about math. Maybe we even began having
physical symptoms such as: increased heartbeat or breathing, tense muscles,
upset stomach, or increased perspiration.
Often we compound our problem by getting into a habit of negative selftalk. These negative thoughts cause us to lose focus and concentration --both
necessary for doing well in math. Remember the “Little Engine That Could”;
if we think we can, we can.
“Math Myths” sometimes influence our expectations.
Math Anxiety: Is it healthy?
Too much of most things will make us sick and unable to function. Math Anxiety
is the same. It can paralyze us and keep us from reaching our goals. But on the
other hand some anxiety keeps us from becoming complacent. It keeps us on our
toes, makes us be more alert and helps us function at our best.
Too much anxiety!
Just enough anxietyAlert, functioning,
successful!
Math Anxiety: What is at stake?
Look through your Wallace College catalog for a
“Reality Check”
This shows the math requirements for many of
the degrees and certificates offered at Wallace and
other institutions. No matter how much we wish
things were different, math is required for us to do
the things we want to do.
So, what are you going to do? Give in to math
anxiety and let it be a stumbling block to your
dream? OR view math as an necessary stepping
stone to achieving your dream?
Math Anxiety: How can we manage it?
Math Anxiety is something that we have to deal with pretty much on our own.
First, we need to acknowledge that we have it.
What was your score on the self test? I assume it was high if
you have continued with this workshop.
Next, we need to take responsibility for our math anxiety.
Are your study habits part of the problem?
Nothing stresses me more than not being prepared.
Math Anxiety: How can we manage it?
“Attitude determines Altitude” is a poster often seen in classrooms. This is true-when we think negative thoughts about our abilities, a subject or a teacher - we
are taking energy away from learning.
We also need to learn to control our physical reactions
to stress or anxiety. Articles and books abound on
ways to deal with stress. Student Support Services
even offers a Stress Reduction Workshop.
Exercise is one way
to reduce stress.
Math Anxiety: How can we manage it?
Math Anxiety often most manifests itself at test time. We
need some strategies to help us do well on tests.
Read these tips over before you take a test.
Review any formulas, procedures, equations you may need
just before test time.
Remember you do not have to do the problems in order.
Read all the problems and do the easy ones first; then worry
over the others.
Math Anxiety: Math Truths
Now let us examine some Math Truths.
1. Our attitudes often come from other people--our parents, our peers, traditions (I
especially dislike the one that says boys are better at math than girls). But in
this workshop, we have tried to show that attitudes can be changed to positive
ones.
2. Most people are successful at math and use it all the time. Math in school
requires an open mind and a learner’s attitude. Sometimes we have to let go
of “the way we have always done it” and learn the way the instructor and
book want us to do it in order to be successful. Remember math skill does not
define us; it is a stepping stone to what we really want to do.
3. Math is a language, a skill and an art-- we would not expect to do well at any of
these without practice and perseverance.
4. Math is for everyone.
Math Anxiety: Summary
Now in summary:
YOU are the key to overcoming your
MATH ANXIETY!
**Acknowledge and take Responsibility for your
Math Anxiety. Then make a plan for dealing with it.
**Be prepared. Learn good study habits.
**Learn to relax. Pick a technique that you think will work for you and use it.
**Ease into a new attitude. Visualize yourself doing well in math.
YOU are ABLE to do math!
Math Anxiety Workshop
This concludes the workshop on Math Anxiety. If you
have any questions, please let us know. If you are
interested in any of the tapes or other workshops
mentioned in this presentation, ask one of our staff.
Please come by Student Support Services to fill out an
Academic Enrichment Summary so that we may document
your participation. If you are viewing this workshop via
the internet you may click on the link in the directions box
on the Workshops page and print one out or e-mail it to:
rcrews@wallace.edu. Handouts available upon request.
EXIT