Why do people get so anxious about math? - Orly Rubinsten

Summary

Math anxiety, affecting around 20% of people, can impair cognitive function like working memory, hindering math performance. Despite its prevalence, many successful mathematicians, like Fields Medalist Laurent Schwartz, have experienced it. To combat this, relaxation techniques, writing worries, and physical activity can help. Encouraging a growth mindset and playful, creative approaches to math in education can build confidence and dispel the myth of gender differences in mathematical ability.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Math anxiety is a common phenomenon affecting around 20% of the population, causing physical symptoms like increased heart rate and sweating.
• 🏆 Despite anxiety, one can excel in mathematics, as exemplified by Laurent Schwartz, who won the Fields Medal despite his anxieties.
• 🔄 Math anxiety doesn't necessarily stem from poor math skills; often, it's the anxiety that leads to poor performance.
• 💭 The condition can deplete working memory, which is crucial for organizing information to solve math problems.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Children's math anxiety can be influenced by how parents and teachers discuss and approach math, potentially internalizing their attitudes.
• 🏫 Teachers with math anxiety may inadvertently pass it on to their students, emphasizing the importance of a teacher's mindset.
• 🚫 Societal pressures, like the expectation to be good at math to be considered smart, can heighten math anxiety.
• 🌟 Even accomplished mathematicians like Maryam Mirzakhani experienced unconfidence and disinterest due to negative educational experiences.
• 🧘 Techniques such as relaxation exercises, writing down worries, and physical activity can help alleviate math anxiety.
• 🌱 Adopting a growth mindset, believing in one's ability to improve, can positively impact math performance.
• 👨‍🏫 For educators and parents, fostering a playful and creative approach to math can build confidence and foundational skills in children.

Q & A

What is math anxiety?

Math anxiety is a feeling of nervousness or worry about doing math, which can cause physical reactions like increased heart rate and sweating, and mental effects such as difficulty concentrating.

How common is math anxiety?

Research suggests that approximately 20% of the population suffers from math anxiety.

Can having math anxiety indicate that someone is not good at math?

No, having math anxiety does not necessarily mean someone is bad at math. In fact, it's often the anxiety that leads to poor performance, not the other way around.

Who is an example of someone who overcame math anxiety to achieve great success in mathematics?

Laurent Schwartz, a French mathematician who experienced math anxiety in high school, went on to win the Fields Medal, the highest award in mathematics.

How does math anxiety affect cognitive resources?

Math anxiety can decrease working memory, which is the short-term memory system that helps organize information needed to complete tasks, leaving less of it available to tackle the math problems.

Why might academic anxiety be more prevalent and harmful in math compared to other subjects?

Researchers are not entirely sure, but it's suggested that the way children are introduced to math by parents and teachers, as well as societal pressures, may play a significant role.

What is one strategy that can help alleviate math anxiety?

Relaxation techniques, such as short breathing exercises, have been shown to improve test performance in students with math anxiety.

How can writing down worries help with math anxiety?

Writing down worries can provide a chance to reevaluate a stressful experience, potentially freeing up working memory that was previously occupied by anxiety.

What role does physical activity play in reducing math anxiety?

Physical activity, like a brisk walk, can deepen breathing and relieve muscle tension, preventing anxiety from building up.

What is the growth mindset and how can it help with math anxiety?

The growth mindset is a psychological principle that suggests the brain is flexible and can always grow and develop. Believing in one's ability to improve can actually help one grow and improve in math skills.

What advice can be given to teachers and parents to help children approach math with confidence?

Teachers and parents should be playful with math, focus on creative aspects, and provide time and space for children to work through their answers. They should also maintain positive attitudes and mathematical confidence.

Why is it important to dispel the myth that boys are innately better at math than girls?

This myth can contribute to math anxiety and underperformance in girls. It's crucial to promote the idea that math ability is not determined by gender.