Mathematics anxiety
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Understanding Mathematics Anxiety: Causes, Effects, and Interventions
Introduction to Mathematics Anxiety
Mathematics anxiety is a pervasive issue characterized by feelings of tension and apprehension that interfere with the ability to perform mathematical tasks. This phenomenon affects individuals across various age groups and educational levels, leading to poor performance and avoidance of mathematics1 3 6.
Causes of Mathematics Anxiety
Gender Differences in Mathematics Anxiety
Research consistently shows that females exhibit higher levels of mathematics anxiety compared to males. However, the impact of this anxiety on performance and avoidance behaviors is more pronounced in precollege males than females1 3. This gender disparity is observed across different countries and educational disciplines, suggesting a complex interplay of cultural and educational factors3 6.
Educational and Sociodemographic Factors
Educational experiences play a significant role in the development of mathematics anxiety. Negative or embarrassing experiences with math teachers or during math classes can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy where students believe they are deficient in math, resulting in poor performance and increased anxiety9. Additionally, sociodemographic factors such as age, ethnicity, and school grade level also influence the levels of mathematics anxiety, although their moderating effects are modest5 7.
Effects of Mathematics Anxiety
Impact on Mathematics Performance
There is a well-documented negative correlation between mathematics anxiety and mathematics achievement. This relationship is consistent across various demographic groups and is evident in both standardized tests and teacher-assigned grades4 10. High levels of mathematics anxiety are associated with lower performance in mathematical tasks, particularly those requiring calculation and problem-solving skills7.
Broader Psychological and Educational Impacts
Mathematics anxiety extends beyond academic performance, affecting individuals' self-efficacy, motivation, and attitudes toward mathematics. Students with high mathematics anxiety often exhibit lower self-confidence and motivation to engage with mathematical content, further exacerbating their anxiety and avoidance behaviors8. This anxiety can also impact prospective elementary teachers, particularly women, who may develop specific fears related to social belonging, personal identity, and practical competency2.
Interventions and Coping Strategies
Effective Treatments for Reducing Mathematics Anxiety
Various interventions have been shown to effectively reduce mathematics anxiety and improve performance. These include cognitive-behavioral techniques, relaxation training, and exposure to positive mathematical experiences1 6. Enhancing students' self-efficacy and providing supportive learning environments are crucial in mitigating the effects of mathematics anxiety3.
Coping Strategies for Prospective Teachers
Prospective elementary teachers, especially women, often develop coping strategies to manage their mathematics anxiety. These strategies may include seeking social support, engaging in positive self-talk, and adopting practical approaches to teaching mathematics. However, some coping mechanisms may inadvertently impede their mathematical learning and teaching effectiveness2.
Conclusion
Mathematics anxiety is a multifaceted issue that significantly impacts individuals' mathematical performance and overall educational experiences. Understanding the causes and effects of this anxiety is essential for developing effective interventions and support systems. By addressing the underlying factors and providing targeted support, educators can help students and prospective teachers overcome mathematics anxiety and achieve their full potential in mathematics.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
The Nature, Effects, and Relief of Mathematics Anxiety.
Mathematics anxiety leads to poor performance and avoidance of the subject, with various treatments effectively reducing it and improving performance.
Meta-Analysis
Highly CitedMathematics Anxiety
Women prospective elementary teachers experience mathematics anxiety, which impacts their larger mathematical histories and can hinder their learning and teaching abilities.
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Maths anxiety in university students is influenced by gender, self-awareness, numerical ability, and learning difficulty, with self-efficacy positively impacting performance.
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Mathematics anxiety is distinct from other forms of anxiety, impacts attitudes towards mathematics, and is related to performance, with genetics, gender, age, and culture potentially playing a role.
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High math anxiety negatively impacts students' mathematics achievement and working memory, while reading and writing skills remain unaffected.
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Students' motivation to learn mathematics is moderately lower when they have mathematics anxiety, with a stronger correlation between anxiety and competence beliefs than value beliefs.
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Math anxiety is a common issue among college students, and can be overcome by addressing misconceptions and focusing on positive aspects of math learning.
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Mathematics anxiety negatively impacts mathematics achievement, but it is not clear if this is due to lack of achievement or a third underlying cause.
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