Math Anxiety: The battlefield of the mind
Ideas compiled by Kathy Spradlin, Liberty University, & Ellen Freedman, Camden County College, Blackwood, NJ
Symptoms of Math Anxiety
- Your mind goes blank.
- You cringe when you have to go to math class.
- You are worried about being called on or having to go to the board.
- You tend to zone out while the teacher is talking.
- You have sweaty palms, upset stomach, tension, or sleeplessness
Fears that accompany Math Anxiety
- You are afraid to ask a question in front of other people.
- You fear math tests more than any other kind.
- You are overwhelmed by the thought of failing.
Ten ways to overcome your Math Anxiety
- Get rid of negative self-talk.
- Make every effort to attend each class.
- Do all the homework, not just some of it.
- Over-learning will build you confidence, so do more problems if needed.
- Study ahead and do not get behind. READ all the examples in your math text before the teacher gets to that section.
- Ask questions in class as soon as you do not understand, or write them down to ask later one-on-one with your teacher.
- Don’t rely on memorization to study mathematics.
- Set aside a specific amount of time to do your homework and seek out a “study buddy” in your class.
- Seek out a tutor as soon as you do not understand.
- Believe in yourself.
Develop responsibility for your own successes and failures!
Math Anxiety Help: http://www.mathpower.com/
