Delta-K
Journal of the Mathematics Council of the Alberta Teachers’ Association
Volume 55 Issue 2, March 2019
15 to 24
Stopping the Cycle of Math Anxiety
Eric Schubert
Studied since the 1970s, math anxiety is a perpetual problem faced by schools. The cyclical nature of math anxiety poses a great challenge for educators. A negative experience with learning math is the primary
cause of math anxiety, usually first occurring in elementary school. This anxiety often comes from adults who themselves have anxiety about math.
Teacher and parent attitude, language and actions have an immense impact on math anxiety. Poor teaching practice, anxiety toward the subject, and negative attitudes can be passed from teachers to students, and also from parents to their children. This article examines best practices for teachers and parents to prevent and stop the cycle of math anxiety. Possible systemic solutions related to elementary math specialists are discussed through the lens of promoting growth minded perseverance in math students. It is crucial that all adults involved in educating students be mindful of the impact of their attitudes, words, actions and decisions on students’ relationship to math.
