Student Support Services Math Anxiety Workshop

1. Student Support Services Math Anxiety Workshop Do you feel that math anxiety is-- --limiting your progress? --’boxing’ you in? Use this workshop to help yourself overcome Math Anxiety. If you have any questions, please talk to us in Student Support Services. Designed by Kathy Lawhorn,Instructional Coordinator, Student Support Services

2. Do you have Math Anxiety ?A Self Test Rate your answers from 1 to 5; add them up and check the key below. (1) = Disagree, (5) = Agree (page 1 of handout) 1. I hate math class 1 2 3 4 5 2. Math is not so tough now; but, it is going to get really hard soon. 1 2 3 4 5 3. I tune out in math class. I do not mean to do it -it just happens. 1 2 3 4 5 4. I do not really like asking my math teacher questions. 1 2 3 4 5 5. I panic when called on in math class. 1 2 3 4 5 6. I worry much more about math tests than any other kind. 1 2 3 4 5 7. I cannot wait until I don’t have to take any more math. 1 2 3 4 5 Scoring key: 28-35 Yep! You have got it. 21-27 Not exactly comfortable with math, huh? 14-20 Hanging loose. 7- 13 Whew! Cool as a cucumber! (from http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Quad/4392/anxtest.htm)

3. Math Anxiety Workshop Most of us suffer from Math Anxiety at one time or another. In our workshop we want to discuss: What is math anxiety? How is it developed? Why do we need to learn to manage it? How can you learn to manage it?

4. Math Anxiety: A vicious circle By the time we reach college, our math anxiety often has its roots in our previous math experiences. We had a “bad” math class or a teacher that we did not get along with and this started a negative spiral. We became apprehensive about math. Maybe we even began having physical symptoms such as: increased heartbeat or breathing, tense muscles, upset stomach, or increased perspiration. Often we compound our problem by getting into a habit of negative self-talk. These negative thoughts cause us to lose focus and concentration --both necessary for doing well in math. Remember the “Little Engine That Could”; if we think we can, we can. “Math Myths” sometimes influence our expectations.

5. Math Anxiety: Is it healthy? Too much of most things will make us sick and unable to function. Math Anxiety is the same. It can paralyze us and keep us from reaching our goals. But on the other hand some anxiety keeps us from becoming complacent. It keeps us on our toes, makes us be more alert and helps us function at our best. Too much anxiety! Just enough anxiety- Alert, functioning, successful!

6. Math Anxiety: What is at stake? Look through your Wallace College catalog for a “Reality Check” This shows the math requirements for many of the degrees and certificates offered at Wallace and other institutions. No matter how much we wish things were different, math is required for us to do the things we want to do. So, what are you going to do? Give in to math anxiety and let it be a stumbling block to your dream? OR view math as an necessary stepping stone to achieving your dream?

7. Math Anxiety: How can we manage it? Math Anxiety is something that we have to deal with pretty much on our own. First, we need to acknowledge that we have it. What was your score on the self test? I assume it was high if you have continued with this workshop. Next, we need to take responsibility for our math anxiety. Are your study habits part of the problem? Nothing stresses me more than not being prepared.

8. Math Anxiety: How can we manage it? “Attitude determines Altitude” is a poster often seen in classrooms. This is true--when we think negative thoughts about our abilities, a subject or a teacher - we are taking energy away from learning. We also need to learn to control our physical reactions to stress or anxiety. Articles and books abound on ways to deal with stress. Student Support Services even offers a Stress Reduction Workshop. Exercise is one way to reduce stress.

9. Math Anxiety: How can we manage it? Math Anxiety often most manifests itself at test time. We need some strategies to help us do well on tests. Read these tips over before you take a test. Review any formulas, procedures, equations you may need just before test time. Remember you do not have to do the problems in order. Read all the problems and do the easy ones first; then worry over the others.

10. Math Anxiety: Math Truths Now let us examine some Math Truths. 1. Our attitudes often come from other people--our parents, our peers, traditions (I especially dislike the one that says boys are better at math than girls). But in this workshop, we have tried to show that attitudes can be changed to positive ones. 2. Most people are successful at math and use it all the time. Math in school requires an open mind and a learner’s attitude. Sometimes we have to let go of “the way we have always done it” and learn the way the instructor and book want us to do it in order to be successful. Remember math skill does not define us; it is a stepping stone to what we really want to do. 3. Math is a language, a skill and an art-- we would not expect to do well at any of these without practice and perseverance. 4. Math is for everyone.

11. Math Anxiety: Summary Now in summary: YOU are the key to overcoming your MATH ANXIETY! **Acknowledge and take Responsibility for your Math Anxiety. Then make a plan for dealing with it. **Be prepared. Learn good study habits. **Learn to relax. Pick a technique that you think will work for you and use it. **Ease into a new attitude. Visualize yourself doing well in math. YOU are ABLE to do math!

12. Math Anxiety Workshop This concludes the workshop on Math Anxiety. If you have any questions, please let us know. If you are interested in any of the tapes or other workshops mentioned in this presentation, ask one of our staff. Please come by Student Support Services to fill out an Academic Enrichment Summary so that we may document your participation. If you are viewing this workshop via the internet you may click on the link in the directions box on the Workshops page and print one out or e-mail it to: rcrews@wallace.edu. Handouts available upon request. EXIT