What Is Math Anxiety?

May 28, 2022 | Cambridge

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You know that student who always raises their hand? 

That student who takes notes and makes eye contact with their teacher?

That student who feels prepared and confident for tests?

That student doesn’t have math anxiety! 

Math anxiety is a feeling of tension that interferes with your ability to solve math in the classroom and in your day-to-day life. And it's a lot more common than most people realize!

Recent research found that about 93% of American adults experience math anxiety on some level. A student with math anxiety suffers from a fixed mindset, believing that their basic intelligence is simply a fixed trait. Many students with math anxiety feel that they cannot learn math; that some people were born with the ability to understand it and some just weren't. (Hint, this notion is false)

In contrast, Carol Dweck of TED Talks states, "A growth mindset is when students understand that their ability CAN be developed." 

At Mathnasium of Cambridge, we believe just that! When your student comes to Mathnasium, we eliminate the triggers that often cause math anxiety. These include:

1. Feeling rushed (No one performs well when there isn't enough time)

2. Working in groups that aren't on the same level of understanding as your student (Working next to the math prodigy child doesn't make us want to practice our vulnerability either) 

Mathnasium will pair your student with a welcoming instructor. That instructor will then proceed to teach your student at their level, and at their own pace. Practicing math with a mentor is a great way to lower anxiety levels. A recent study found on pubmed.gov showed that children who studied this way had lower levels of math anxiety.

Parents are noticing that when math anxiety is eliminated, students begin to genuinely enjoy learning math.

"My daughter finally loves math! The staff does a tremendous job making sure that math comes across as fun and engaging" -N.C.

"Mathnasium is a great place to learn math! Kids will definitely enjoy it here."  -M.V.

Come visit us at 115 Dundas St N, Cambridge, Ontario and meet our director, Sanny Dhir. We want to help your student bid goodbye to math anxiety and say hello to math confidence. Sign up  now for a Free Assessment.