Speaking of Psychology
How to help with math anxiety, with Molly Jameson, PhD
Oct 4, 2023
Dr. Molly Jameson, a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Northern Colorado, discusses the origins and impact of math anxiety, distinguishing it from general dislike for math. She explores how math anxiety can affect education and career choices, both in children and adults. The podcast also covers interventions for pre-service elementary teachers with high math anxiety, aiming to increase math interest and confidence.
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Quick takeaways
- Math anxiety can stem from embarrassing or traumatic experiences in math class, authoritarian teaching techniques, and the increasing abstraction of math concepts in higher grades.
- Gender differences exist in math anxiety, with women reporting higher levels of math anxiety compared to men due to internalization of societal stereotypes regarding women and math.
Deep dives
Math Anxiety: Causes and Characteristics
Math anxiety is not just a general dislike for math; it involves fear-based reactions. It shares characteristics with diagnosable anxiety disorders, including negative self-talk and behavioral avoidance. Math anxiety can stem from embarrassing or traumatic experiences in math class, authoritarian teaching techniques, and the increasing abstraction of math concepts in higher grades. It can affect individuals of any gender and even those who are proficient in math. The presence of math anxiety can hinder performance, but some individuals with math anxiety may still possess the foundational knowledge needed.
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