MATH ANXIETYBy Rhea Becke

Test Question

Cycle of Failure

Negative experience with

math

Math avoidance

Poor Preparatio

n

Poor Math Performance

Myths about math

You must be born with a mathematical brain. There is a best way to do a math problem. Men are better at math than women. It is bad to count on your fingers. You can’t be creative and good at math. You have to be good at calculating to do math. Doing math in your head makes you better at

math. Getting the right answers is most important in

math. I don’t need math. I ‘ll never catch up.

Stress vs. Anxiety

Anxiety-a painful or apprehensive uneasiness of the mind, usually over an impending or anticipated event.

Stress-a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension

Anxiety and stress can be positive of negative.

(from Merriam Webster Dictionary)

What is math anxiety?

A physical and or emotional reaction to the thought or action of doing math.

Culturally based Not a condition you are born withCan be unlearnedEffects can be physical (sweating, pain, nausea) or

psychological( memory loss, lack of focus)Perpetuated by negative attitudeAffects ability to learn math.

,

Do you have math anxiety

You don’t want to go to math class. You are afraid to ask questions in math class. You are uneasy about answering questions in

math. You worry that math is going to get too difficult. You zone out in math class. You forget what you learned in class once you get

home. You fear math tests more than other exams. You are afraid you won’t be able to keep up. You put off doing math until the last minute. You lack motivation to do math.

Writing Activity

What was your first experience with math?

When did you begin to not like math? Who or what made you not like math? What other experiences have you had

with math? Why is it that you get math anxiety?

Things that interfere with success in math

Wanting results too fast. Make reasonable time lines.

Wanting answers too fast. Some of the learning is in the process.

Excuses Frustration Keep trying the same thing over and over

again. Negative self talk

Managing Stress

Rehearse healthy behaviors Change irrational thinking Write out choices or options Positive self talk Manage your time

Stress Management Strategies

Breathing methods-chicken, nostril, in through nose out through mouth, breath walk

Drawing/Writing/Singing Physical activity-walk, run, hike, yoga, tai chi Stretch Nutrition Relaxation/Meditation/Visualization Talk to others without getting negative Become educated about areas of unknown that are

causing stress. Calm music Eliminate unconstructive beliefs/negative self esteem

Math specific study strategies

Notice your handwriting when doing math. (Does it get messier when you are frustrated)

Know the basics-learn times tables (alternate methods are fine) Don’t memorize, understand Stay organized Think of math as a foreign language. Study before bed and again in the morning. Practice a little everyday. Take breaks when you get frustrated. Use all your resources. Ask questions Do math work by starting with the easiest problems first. THINK POSITIVE Move when you study. Form a study group

More techniques

Support networks Laugh Pets Social support Focus on the present Get enough sleep Limit caffeine and alcohol Massage Time outs Accept that you can’t control everything

What is Test Anxiety?

Feelings such as sweaty palms, butterflies in your stomach, nausea, rapid heart beating that occur when a person is thinking about a test or taking a test. It limits a person’s ability to do well on the test even though the person has prepared adequately. This is not the same as having something on your mind and being distracted.

Techniques to deal with Test Anxiety

Be prepared, work on keeping a calendar and improving study skills

Don’t cram Learn vs memorize Ask for help studying Positive thoughts, avoid negative self talk Take care of yourself, get sleep, exercise, eat well Accept mistakes, learn from them Once you feel prepared, do something relaxing Don’t let the anxiety of others rub off onto you. Avoid those

people. Arrive to the test site early See the test as a challenge rather than as a threat. Promise yourself a reward at the end of the test.

During the test

Prevent frustration by moving on if you don’t know an answer. Look through the whole test before you begin. Read all directions and all parts of multiple choice questions Outline your answer to multistep problems. Show any steps you know. Estimate and check answers for reasonableness. Work on easiest parts of the test first, make educated guesses

on those you are not sure about Manage your time, don’t spend all your time on one section Change positions Be neat and show work Don’t panic when people begin turning in tests If you are taking a essay test, just begin writing Don’t rush Stay positive

If you become anxious…

Relax Practice breathing techniques Realize you are not alone and anxiety is not

necessarily bad Don’t dwell on the fear, let it pass Break a pencil lead and sharpen your pencil

(quietly) Ask the teacher a question Focus on the present, worry later Tense and relax muscles Remind yourself of the reward you promised

yourself

After the test

Learn from your mistakes. Correct your errors. Reward yourself. Congratulate yourself. Note what you did well in terms of

managing anxiety.