For Immediate Release

Contact: John M. Martino
Phone Number:  (215) 895-1186
Date: 04/10/03

Can The Problem Of Math Anxiety Be Solved?

- A University of the Sciences in Philadelphia Health Tip - 

It is 9:30 on a Monday morning, and a test paper jam-packed with math equations greets you. You remember previous failing attempts to tackle similar complex, brain-numbing numerical riddles, and your body starts to breakdown. You start to sweat, you can’t concentrate, and suddenly, the class is almost over. You silently mutter the battle cry of other students like yourself, “I hate math.”

This is the common scenario of a student suffering from “math anxiety.” It is not unusual to see several students in class suffering from this uncomfortable affliction. According to Amy Kimchuk, an instructor of mathematics at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, math anxiety is similar to Pavlovian conditioning.

“People affected by math anxiety have usually done poorly in math class before, and therefore, develop a negative belief about the subject,” says Kimchuk. “The best definition comes from a book called Mind Over Math, written by Dr. Stanley Kogelman and Dr. Joseph Warren. They believe that math anxiety is ‘an intense emotional reaction to math based on past experiences.’ Because students have had bad experiences in math, they tend not to like the subject and believe they can not do well in math.”

Since April is both Mathematics Awareness and Stress Awareness Month, there is no better time to help solve this problem. Kimchuk says teachers need to identify which students suffer from math anxiety. She says symptoms can include students: sitting by the door to escape as soon as possible, chewing excessively on pencils and pens, sweating, squirming around in their desks and/or skipping classes. Once the symptoms are identified, students should be aware of some coping strategies.

“Students need to understand there is a problem – not that they cannot do math, but that they have the incorrect beliefs about math,” says Kimchuk. “This is the number one reason that students block their ability to learn math. Students should do some math problems, and continue to do math. If they get discouraged, they must realize that this happens, but they must stick with it. They can always ask for help and not feel ashamed.

“Eliminating math anxiety does take some work,” she adds. “It could involve taking a basic math skills course, a math anxiety workshop, or even just buying a self-help workbook, which can be purchased at any bookstore. Every student has the ability to learn mathematics, but some students may just have to work a little harder.”

To arrange an interview, contact John M. Martino at (215) 895-1186, or e-mail at j.martin@usip.edu.

###