Do you get nervous thinking about geometry, equations or a coming math test? If yes, you are far from alone. Students in countries with higher levels of math anxiety tend to achieve lower math grades, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on Feb 15.
According to a University of Cambridge study, in ordinary life, many people experience some degree of discomfort when faced with a math problem, ranging from mild tension to strong fear. They may then try to avoid every situation involving numbers, meaning they are held back from pursuing careers related to this subject.
Comfort comes from the fact that those with math anxiety are not necessarily to be bad at math. They may have had a really bad experience with math and there are ways to improve math achievement.
If you're feeling stressed before a math exam, it may help to spend a few minutes exploring those feelings before the exam begins. It's about making sure you're interpreting your feelings correctly. In addition, a little math anxiety could be taken as a positive challenge to overcome.
A. Also, there are ways to manage your stress related to math.
B. Students with math anxiety are usually cognitively disadvantaged.
C. If a child has math anxiety, don't assume that they're not good at math.
D. Math anxiety has become a common psychological condition among students around the world.
E. Just because you have a fast heartbeat and sweaty palms, that does not necessarily mean you will fail.
F. Just like many people get stage fright before delivering a speech, this nervous energy can help to motivate.
G. Some people also experience physical symptoms such as sweaty palms or a racing heart.
