Mathematics Anxiety in Children, Essay Example

Mathematics anxiety is considered as anxiety and tension feelings that disturb with numbers manipulation and the answering problems of mathematics in a daily life and academic environment. Math anxiety can indulge someone to lose and forget his/her self-confidence. (Franklin, 2008)

Studies have shown that the pressure of limited time allowed for tests and public embarrassment risks are identified is the on of the sources of unproductive anxiety among number of students. It has been found that three conventional practices in mathematics classrooms become the main reasons of great anxiety among number of students are exposure to public, forced authority and limited time deadlines. Although these are a regular part of the conventional classrooms of mathematics but are great sources of tension and anxiety. Thus, methods of teaching should be evaluated again. As a result, there must be more concentrations on methods of teaching that involves more student directed classes, less lecture and more dialogue. (Hembree, 2007)

Research confirms that students cannot gain best knowledge when they are passive instead of active learners, so it has been suggested that active environments must be established (Spikell, 2003). The multiple intelligences theory states the various learning styles. These style present the lessons as spatial/visual, mathematics/logical, kinesthetic/ body, musical, intrapersonal and interpersonal and linguistic/verbal. Everybody is competent to learn, but can learn in several ways. Thus, lessons should be provided through different methods. For instance, different methods for learning of new thing can be with the help of cooperative groups, play acting, practical activities, visual assistances and technology.

Today the students are very different than they were in 1970s. Learners of today require practical math. Thus, mathematics and other classes must be related to their daily practices. Learners feel pleasures in experimentations. Mathematics should be viewed as optimistic light to minimize tension and anxiety (Lampert & Blunk, 2004). A state of mind of an individual place large effects on someone success. Several games are supporting today the concepts of mathematics. Few of these games that are advantageous to the students are Life, cards playing, Yahtzee, Tangrams and Battleship. (Franklin, 2008)

In conclusion, we are in need of such society that demands a larger need for math. Thus, teachers should re-assess the conventional classroom techniques that are not according to the learning styles of students and skills required in our society. Lessons must be taught to students through different games and consequently when young children find mathematics as fun, they will take interest in it, and, the enjoyment of math will continue with these students all through of their lives.

References

Spikell, M. (2003). Teaching mathematics with manipulative. London: Wiley Publishers.

Franklin, Margaret. (2008). Add-ventures for girls: building math confidence, Junior High teacher’s guide. Massachusetts: WEEA Publishing Center.

Lampert, M & Blunk, M. (2004). Talking Mathematics: Studies of Teaching and Learning in School. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Hembree, R. (2007). “The nature, effects, and relief of mathematics anxiety.” Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 21, 33-46.