Researchers Probe Causes of Math Anxiety

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Author(s)
Sarah D. Sparks
Author(s) Organizational Affiliation
Education Week
Publication Year
2011
Resource Type
Informational Material
Number of Pages
4
Product Type
Abstract

This resource explores the causes and reasons for Math Anxiety. It explains the effects of stress on the brain. The author reports on studies that were conducted on learners who displayed math anxiety that impaired their learning and gives suggestions for creating an “anxiety-free” classroom. The article also includes discussions on Dyscalculia and the bias that research has found.

What the experts say

This article helps to explain math anxiety in our adult students as well as their children. The effect of anxious math teachers on student performance was particularly interesting. So many of our adult education teachers are themselves, anxious about teaching mathematics. The article gives suggestions on how teachers can focus on building understanding rather than rote computation and how this can lower math anxiety.

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