Why do some students love maths, while others are scared of it? Mathematics is an interesting and logical subject and I would like each student to love it. For each student to love it, first of all we should understand why are we scared of Maths – what is math anxiety and how to remove it.
There are some common factors and feelings that make us avoid math. When we avoid it, we lose confidence and then start building up dread and fear. Let's confront the things that cause us to avoid math!
"I'm Just Not Cut Out for Math"
Sounds familiar? Actually, there is no such thing as a brain type that makes one person better than another at math. Yes, studies show that there are different brain types, but those types just concern your approach at problem solving. Your approach can be different from other students, but it can still be just as effective.
Building Blocks are Missing
If you have avoided math in lower grades or didn't pay enough attention, this is a legitimate cause for anxiety, you may be feeling stressed out because you know your background is weak. But you can overcome this problem easily by going through a textbook that was written for a level slightly lower than your current class. First, you'll be surprised at how much you do know. Secondly, you'll find there are only a few skills you need to practice before you're completely caught up. And those skills will come easily!
It's Just So Boring!
Math poses challenges that can be amazingly gratifying to conquer. If you like mystery and drama, you can find it in the complexity of math. Think of math as a great mystery to solve.
It's Too Complex to Understand
When you come across a formula or process that seems too complex, just break it down. If you find that you're a little weak on some of the concepts or steps that make up one element of the formula, then just go back and work on your building blocks.
There are some common factors and feelings that make us avoid math. When we avoid it, we lose confidence and then start building up dread and fear. Let's confront the things that cause us to avoid math!
"I'm Just Not Cut Out for Math"
Sounds familiar? Actually, there is no such thing as a brain type that makes one person better than another at math. Yes, studies show that there are different brain types, but those types just concern your approach at problem solving. Your approach can be different from other students, but it can still be just as effective.
Building Blocks are Missing
If you have avoided math in lower grades or didn't pay enough attention, this is a legitimate cause for anxiety, you may be feeling stressed out because you know your background is weak. But you can overcome this problem easily by going through a textbook that was written for a level slightly lower than your current class. First, you'll be surprised at how much you do know. Secondly, you'll find there are only a few skills you need to practice before you're completely caught up. And those skills will come easily!
It's Just So Boring!
Math poses challenges that can be amazingly gratifying to conquer. If you like mystery and drama, you can find it in the complexity of math. Think of math as a great mystery to solve.
It's Too Complex to Understand
When you come across a formula or process that seems too complex, just break it down. If you find that you're a little weak on some of the concepts or steps that make up one element of the formula, then just go back and work on your building blocks.
Once we are able to remove Math anxiety, following Study Tips can improve your performance.
Think positive
If you think you can solve a sum and try hard to solve it, believe me you can solve it. Interestingly, studies show that positive thinking can improve math performance.
Study daily and actively
In maths, practice is required on a daily basis. Also, don't just work out a problem, draw pictures and diagrams related to the problem.
Take breaks
If you come across a problem that you don't understand, read it over a few times and try—but then walk away from it and take a small nap or do some other small task (not other homework). Your brain will continue to work on the problem subconsciously. Believe me -- it works.
Make list for important formula’s
Lists are good for visual learners. You make them and paste them in front of your study table so that you can refer them every now and then.
Buy related reference books
Sometimes we don't understand a concept because the explanation is just plain bad or it's not written in a way we can understand. It's good to have an alternate text that gives alternate explanations and additional sample problems to work out.
Review previous work and do the corrections
Work done in the previous classes need to be corrected before the next class, as it good for establishing a strong foundation for the newer information.
Practice neatness
How unfortunate would it be to miss a test question out of sloppiness? It's important to make sure you can line up problems neatly so you don't confuse yourself, and also to make sure you can distinguish your sevens from your ones and your eights from your zeros.
Be logical
Use logical reasoning to check your answers to word problems For example, if you are asked to find how many persons are needed to build a wall, your answer should not be in fractions.
As a mathematics teacher, I would like all the students to refer and follow the above points to help them travel the bridge from -- I hate maths-- to --I love maths successfully.
Think positive
If you think you can solve a sum and try hard to solve it, believe me you can solve it. Interestingly, studies show that positive thinking can improve math performance.
Study daily and actively
In maths, practice is required on a daily basis. Also, don't just work out a problem, draw pictures and diagrams related to the problem.
Take breaks
If you come across a problem that you don't understand, read it over a few times and try—but then walk away from it and take a small nap or do some other small task (not other homework). Your brain will continue to work on the problem subconsciously. Believe me -- it works.
Make list for important formula’s
Lists are good for visual learners. You make them and paste them in front of your study table so that you can refer them every now and then.
Buy related reference books
Sometimes we don't understand a concept because the explanation is just plain bad or it's not written in a way we can understand. It's good to have an alternate text that gives alternate explanations and additional sample problems to work out.
Review previous work and do the corrections
Work done in the previous classes need to be corrected before the next class, as it good for establishing a strong foundation for the newer information.
Practice neatness
How unfortunate would it be to miss a test question out of sloppiness? It's important to make sure you can line up problems neatly so you don't confuse yourself, and also to make sure you can distinguish your sevens from your ones and your eights from your zeros.
Be logical
Use logical reasoning to check your answers to word problems For example, if you are asked to find how many persons are needed to build a wall, your answer should not be in fractions.
As a mathematics teacher, I would like all the students to refer and follow the above points to help them travel the bridge from -- I hate maths-- to --I love maths successfully.
