#Education #National Heritage Academies #Math Anxiety

Overcoming Math Anxiety: A Path to Confidence

Mathematics is an integral part of our daily life, from splitting a bill at a restaurant to measuring ingredients for a cherished recipe. Yet, many students harbor a significant anxiety towards math, which can lead to a disdain for the subject over time. Farina Sami, a Math Curriculum Specialist at National Heritage Academies (NHA), emphasizes that with enhanced student engagement and active parental involvement, this anxiety can be mitigated.

The Roots of Math Anxiety

Math anxiety often begins early in a student's academic journey. Sami identifies various factors contributing to this condition, including negative past experiences, complex concepts, and a looming fear of failure. The cumulative nature of math education means that struggling with earlier topics can create a shaky foundation, building self-doubt that might carry into more advanced grades.

_“When students reach grades four or five without experiencing success, they begin to think, 'I've failed at this, and it’s only going to get harder,'”_ Sami explains.

This self-doubt, she notes, not only impacts their mindset but translates into diminished performance in the subject, creating a cycle of negativity that is hard to break.

Engaging with Math Actively

One way to combat math anxiety is through active engagement with the material. At NHA partner schools, a hands-on, interactive curriculum is employed. During lessons, rather than passively receiving information, students are encouraged to participate in problem solving from the outset. Teachers present a problem, allow students to explore solutions collaboratively, and then guide discussions based on their experiences.

This approach enables students to engage deeply with the content, significantly enhancing their confidence as they navigate challenges collectively.

Building Confidence through Visual Learning

Another teaching strategy that has proven effective is the use of visual models. These concrete examples help students grasp abstract concepts, reinforcing their confidence when they encounter difficult problems.

_“When students flounder, they need something to rely on—tools learned in the classroom, such as visual representations, provide this foundation,