Beyond Maths Anxiety: Empowering Yourself to Excel in Mathematics
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Beyond Maths Anxiety: Empowering Yourself to Excel in Mathematics
Written by Pakeeza Sharafat.
Are you a big struggler in Maths? You often feel blank when teachers ask you a Maths question. The feeling of “I can’t” remains with you. Your parents’ and teachers’ expectations always remind you to perform better, and it is a nerve-wracking experience you want to escape from.
If you answer yes, do not worry; we will help you. In this blog, we will enlighten you about Maths anxiety, its symptoms, and how to overcome it to move you toward success in maths. Let us take a look:
What is Maths Anxiety?
Maths anxiety is rooted in the negative experiences with Maths we had, and it is continuously living with many of us. Most students claim that they studied well, but when they encounter mathematical questions to respond to, they feel blank and helpless—a web of negative beliefs and doubts whispering and causing them to hesitate.
Let us find the definition of Maths anxiety. According to the International Encyclopaedia of Education, Maths anxiety is tension, helplessness, mental disorganization, and associated bodily symptoms evoked in mathematical problem-solving situations.
There are numerous factors and causes of Maths anxiety, for instance, frustrating failures, strict teachers, parent pressure, and a humiliating experience when you cannot respond or incorrectly answer Maths questions. With all of this, some myths also perpetuate your anxiety; let us take a look at some of them:
- You must be born a Maths whiz to excel.
- Only geniuses enjoy Maths.
- Maths is irrelevant to daily life.
- Men are better at Maths than women.
These myths not only stop you from interacting with mathematical problems, but they also demotivate you. You are not a genius because you always got bad marks in Maths. You are a woman, so you cannot be good at Maths. Lastly, Maths is abstract; there is no connection with real life.
All these myths negatively affect your mindset, and this approach does not work. Basic Maths skills are crucial for navigating the modern world, from budgeting to coding. And as per the myth that Maths is only for geniuses, you must remember that many successful mathematicians struggled initially, but their passion for discovery kept them going. So, do not escape from Maths, and let us take charge to combat your Maths Anxiety.
Empowering Yourself and Combat Maths Anxiety
To empower yourself is to harness the power of self-efficacy, the persistent belief in your ability to excel in Maths! It is the first step you can take towards conquering your Maths anxiety. We will share some practical tips to help you achieve this goal.”
1. Effective Study Skills
To be a study-smart student, you must first work on your time management. Every day, allocate some time for solving Maths questions, whether your teacher has given you any assignment or homework, but you make it for yourself.
You can use a spaced repetition strategy to maximize long-term retention. This strategy breaks down challenging concepts into bite-sized chunks and notes them on flashcards. Review them daily, increasing the interval between reviews if you answer correctly. This spaced practice forces active recall, strengthening your memory. Test yourself later without flashcards – if you stumble, review and repeat. Soon, you will be able to solve those challenging problems effortlessly.
If you need assistance or help understanding any Maths concept or question, get help from your teacher, parents, and friends. If nobody is available, get help from online tutorials, presentations, and other resources. Maths support students’ resources are available for your help, and you can benefit from it.
2. Building Confidence
Lack of confidence is the main factor fuelling Maths anxiety in students. Therefore, your statements like I cannot be good at Maths, I have never been good at Maths” are the negative self-talk that loses your confidence. Imagine yourself confident while solving Maths questions, even during exams. Set realistic goals, celebrate your small achievements, and acknowledge your efforts without thinking how small they are.
3. Relaxation Techniques
Incorporate relaxation techniques and mindful practices into your routine, like doing a workout, yoga, and even simple breathing exercises to calm your mind and body before engaging in Maths activities. This strategy will help manage your maths anxiety and improve focus and concentration.
4. Supportive Environment
Keep yourself with peers, teachers, and mentors who can uplift you on your mathematical journey. Join a study group or Maths club where you can collaborate with others and share your struggles and successes. In case of any difficulty in understanding Maths concepts, ask your teachers questions without any reluctance. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. With a supportive environment for yourself, you can overcome anxiety and succeed in mathematics. Maths Support online tutoring service is an ideal opportunity for you if you need online support at your convenience.
Conclusion
Conquering Maths anxiety is a continuous journey, not a destination. There will be hurdles along this journey in the form of moments of frustration that seem impossible. But with perseverance, a positive mindset, and the right strategies, you can overcome these challenges and excel in Mathematics to your full potential.
We hope this guide caters to all areas that help combat your Maths anxiety. Please share your stories related to conquering Maths Anxiety; it would be an inspiration to others.
