According to a report on U.S. News, many people fear maths, and they are not hard to find. In a survey of U.S. adults, 93% expressed apprehension about the subject. A frequently referenced study conducted in 2009 also found that around 17% of the general U.S. population experiences “high levels of mathematics anxiety.
Math phobia, also known as math anxiety, can be a significant obstacle for many college students. The fear and discomfort associated with math can lead to negative emotions, avoidance of math-related activities, and even lower academic performance.
However, it is possible to overcome math phobia and develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in math-related courses and careers.
In this article, we will discuss strategies that can help college students overcome their math anxiety. From identifying the root causes of math phobia to building self-confidence and seeking support, we will examine the steps that can be taken to overcome this common obstacle and achieve success in math.
The Experience of Math Phobia
Math phobia is a prevalent problem. According to Medical News Today, signs of math phobia include a lack of confidence in math abilities, leading to a lack of enjoyment in the subject. Those with this anxiety may also try to avoid situations that require math skills, limiting their opportunities to practice and further reinforcing their lack of confidence.
Additionally, children and adolescents with math anxiety may struggle in classes that involve math, science, or technology-related subjects, resulting in lower grades.
Math phobia can be caused by many factors, including:
- Negative experiences with math in school, such as getting bad grades on tests or feeling like you don’t understand the material.
- Anxiety about making mistakes and being judged by others.
- Fear of failure because you think it will affect your future success (like getting into college).
The good news is that math phobia can be overcome with time and patience. There are many resources available to help you overcome your fears and succeed in college.
Taking the First Steps
The first step to overcoming math phobia is remembering that it’s okay to ask for help. You don’t need to be a math expert to understand it, and if you feel like you’re struggling, there are plenty of people who can help.
You should also keep in mind that making mistakes doesn’t mean failure. It just means that your brain is trying its best, and sometimes the things we learn through trial and error aren’t always apparent at first glance. This can lead us down new paths and teach us new things about ourselves and our abilities as learners (and it might even be fun).
Seeking Support
Seek the support of online resources. There are many websites designed specifically for students who feel like they’re struggling with math classes. And these sites often provide explanations of concepts at various levels, so everyone has access regardless of their skill level.
Online math tutorials for college students can be beneficial for students who struggle with math anxiety. These tutorials offer a structured approach to learning math, which can help alleviate the fear and apprehension associated with the subject.Â
In addition, the online format provides a comfortable and safe learning environment that allows students to learn at their own pace without fear of judgment or embarrassment. With access to a variety of interactive resources, including video tutorials, practice problems, and quizzes, students can develop their math skills and build confidence in their abilities.
Overall, online platforms, like Proprep, offer an effective and flexible way for college students to overcome their math anxiety and succeed academically.
Practicing Regularly
Practicing regularly is the only way to improve at anything. If you want to get better at math, then it’s up to you to practice regularly and make sure that every time you do math problems, they’re done with care and attention.
The more often and the more seriously we put ourselves into practicing something, the better we’ll be at doing it in the future.
Setting Realistic Expectations
When you’re studying math, it’s easy to get discouraged when you don’t understand something right away. You might think: “I’m just not good at this.”
That kind of thinking can be dangerous because it puts up a mental barrier between you and success. It makes it harder for you to move forward and learn more about the subject matter at hand.
Instead of focusing on the fact that you don’t understand something perfectly yet (and probably never will), focus on what progress has been made so far, and how much further along you can go.
Celebrating Successes
While you’re celebrating, don’t forget to take a moment to celebrate your successes. It’s easy to get bogged down in the stress and pressure of college life, but it’s important to remember that you’ve made it this far. Take time every once in a while to acknowledge your progress, no matter how small.
When you pass an exam or finish a project with flying colors, take five minutes out of your day and do something fun. Go for ice cream with friends, play video games, read an inspiring book, or do anything that makes you happy.
It might sound silly at first glance, but celebrating our accomplishments gives us energy and motivation for future challenges by reminding us how far we’ve come already.
Looking at the Future
One of the most important things to remember about math is that it’s not just a subject you study in school. Math is an integral part of life, and there are many opportunities for students who excel at it.
Infotechlead states that mathematics has been shown to aid in the development of certain regions of the brain and enhance analytical and reasoning abilities. Research from Stanford University indicates that repeated math practice establishes particular connections within the brain. Therefore, for individuals studying math, a comprehensive comprehension of the subject is critical.
Math students can be successful in any career they choose. They just need to put their minds to it. If you’re struggling with math right now, don’t give up, the future is bright.
Conclusion
We hope you can use some of the strategies we’ve shared here to help yourself overcome your math phobia. Remember that there is no quick fix, but if you keep working at it, you will get better over time. Don’t give up.
