Math Anxiety: 'DO' Therapy

Photo Credit: Jewell Mitchell

In continuation of our previous article about "Math Anxiety - 'DO NOT' Therapy", where we explored the pitfalls to avoid, we now bring you next in the series: 'Math Anxiety: DO Therapy.'

A loud shoutout to Shruti Raman for coining the need of this topic, a big thanks to you.

This article is aimed for the benefit of mathematics young learners, particularly those who are enrolled in elementary and high school level mathematics courses, to deal with their issue of math anxiety. Mathematics plays a key role in the entire education system, but the anxiety it triggers, often acts as a big hurdle to these young kids' success.

In this article, I delve into a set of essential "Dos" that will provide you with a structured approach, focusing on 10 key DOs supported by research and practical exercises, to help you sail through the math anxiety and thrive in mathematics course.

1. DO Build a Strong Foundation

The first and most crucial step in dealing with math anxiety is to ensure that students have a strong foundation in fundamental mathematical concepts. Teachers and parents must collaborate together to identify and address any gaps in a student's mathematical knowledge. A solid foundation provides students with the confidence to tackle more complex math topics.

Research in the "Journal of Educational Psychology" has shown that students with a strong grasp of fundamental math perform better in advanced math subjects (Hannula, 2012).

DO Therapy: Regularly review and practice basic math concepts such as multiplication tables, fractions, basic algebra, and decimals. Utilize online quizzes and flashcards to reinforce these fundamentals.

2. DO Foster a Positive Mindset

Fostering a positive mindset towards math is essential. Students should be encouraged to believe in their ability to learn and excel in mathematics. Teachers and parents should emphasize the importance of a growth mindset, where mistakes are seen as opportunities for learning and improvement rather than failures. Positive reinforcement and encouragement can go a long way in boosting a student's confidence in math. Your attitude towards math is vital.

Research by "Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck" underscores the importance of a growth mindset (Dweck, 2006). Embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth and learning, not failures.

DO Therapy: Maintain a math journal to record your achievements and any progress you make, no matter how small. Celebrate your successes and use setbacks as valuable learning experiences.

3. DO Promote Effective Study Habits

Teach students effective study habits specifically tailored to math. This includes setting aside dedicated study time, creating a distraction-free environment, and organizing study materials. Effective study habits are your allies.

"The American Psychological Association" advises that organizing study materials can significantly enhance learning outcomes (American Psychological Association, n.d.).

DO Therapy: Create a structured study schedule, including dedicated time slots for math. Utilize manual or even digital tools/apps to maintain organization and concentration during study sessions. Encourage the use of math journals or notebooks to jot down formulas, concepts, and problem-solving strategies. Consistent practice and review are key components of success in math.

4. DO Encourage Seeking Help Early

Math anxiety often stems from the fear of falling behind or not understanding the concepts. Encourage students to seek help when they encounter such difficulties.When math challenges arise, seek help promptly.

Research in "The Journal of Learning Assistance" highlights that seeking help early correlates with improved performance in math courses (Holt et al., 2006).

DO Therapy: Students should reach out to their teachers, attending extra help sessions, or seek assistance from peer tutors. Addressing problems early prevents you from getting stuck into larger issues. Remember, seeking assistance is a sign of strength, not weakness.

5. DO Break Problems Down

Mathematics can sometimes appear overwhelming due to its complexity. Encourage students to break down math problems into smaller, manageable parts. This strategy not only makes problem-solving more approachable but also helps build problem-solving skills. Remind students that every complex math problem can be tackled step by step.

Research in "Educational Psychology" suggests that breaking problems into smaller steps improves problem-solving abilities (Polya, 1973).

DO Therapy: Take a challenging math problem and systematically break it down into smaller, manageable steps. By tackling each step, you'll find that even the most intimidating problems become conquerable.

6. DO Stress Regular Practice

Mathematics is a subject that requires consistent practice. Encourage students to practice regularly, solving a variety of problems. This not only improves their math skills but also builds their confidence in approaching new and challenging math problems. Consistent practice is the key to math success.

Research in the "Journal of Experimental Psychology" confirms that regular practice and spaced repetition are effective for long-term retention of math skills (Karpicke & Roediger, 2008).

DO Therapy: Assign yourself daily or weekly math practice problems to reinforce your understanding of mathematical concepts and sharpen your problem-solving skills. Utilize online/offline resources, textbooks, and worksheets to practice as much as possible.

7. DO Highlight Real-World Applications

Mathematics has real-world applications. Help students understand the real-world applications of mathematics. Showing the practical relevance of math can motivate students and reduce anxiety by making the subject feel more tangible and relatable.

Research in the "Journal of Mathematics Education" suggests that connecting math to practical scenarios enhances understanding and engagement (Lester, 2006).

DO Therapy: Apply a math concept you're learning to a real-life situation. Use math to create a budget, adapt recipes, or analyze data from current events. Recognize that math is relevant and motivating.

8. DO Teach Effective Test Preparation

Preparing for math tests can be a major source of anxiety. Teach students effective test preparation strategies. Effective test preparation is essential. Emphasize that tests are an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills, not a measure of their self-worth.

Research in "Educational Psychology Review" shows that using test preparation strategies, such as creating study guides, improves exam performance (Dunlosky et al., 2013).

DO Therapy: Summarize key concepts, formulas, and problem-solving techniques. Create study guides, practice with sample questions, and manage test-day anxiety through relaxation techniques This process reinforces your understanding and prepares you effectively.

9. DO Emphasize Test as Assessment, Not Self-Worth

Tests are assessments of your knowledge, not judgments of your self-worth. Research in the "Journal of Cognitive Enhancement" emphasizes that reframing tests in this manner reduces test anxiety (von der Embse et al., 2018).

DO Therapy: Share your test-taking experiences and strategies with classmates. Open discussions help you and your peers realize that tests are opportunities to demonstrate knowledge and skills.

10. DO Encourage Perseverance

Perseverance is the key to academic success, especially in math. Research from "The Journal of Educational Psychology" underscores the role of persistence in achieving your goals (Duckworth et al., 2007).

DO Therapy: Tackle a challenging math problem over several days or weeks. Monitor your progress and celebrate each small achievement. Remember, improvement is attainable through dedication and effort.

In your journey to master math and deal with math anxiety, remember this: Math Anxiety DO Therapy is your roadmap to success! These 10 DOs, backed by research and practical exercises, is the key to open the locks holding you back during your math learning process.

Imagine: You're not only learning math, but you're building a strong foundation, nurturing a positive mindset, and honing your skills like a pro.

Challenges? They're your stepping milestones to reach your desired destination. Each problem cracked is a badge of honor, a living proof to your growth.

So, seize the opportunity! Math is not just about numbers, rather it is your road to a world of possibilities. Grab it, and you will not only sail through your math anxiety but you will ride to new heights, not only in your school mathematics, but much beyond. The future is yours to shape, design it the way you want!