Can Debunking Math Myths Free You From Math Anxiety?

Math anxiety has been a concern for most students.

Staring at blank papers, constant head scratching, and shaky hands – these are the usual scenarios for a person who is having problems with math.

It has been the mission of math educators to present math in the easiest way possible.

Aside from the usually tedious teaching method, more and more techniques and modes are being presented to students to make them like math.

However, no matter how math educators present the subject, mathematical concepts just won’t sink into the minds of the students.

So where does the problem reside?

In the student who, no matter how you teach math, seems to stare at you aimlessly?

Maybe it’s the complicated formula, that no matter how people try to simplify it, the problem itself is intricately difficult.

Or maybe we can blame the instructors, who, instead of presenting math as a breeze, confuse the students with the way they present the subject.
      
Our minds are the math anxiety battleground.

Therefore, let’s debunk the “math myths.”

These are concepts that are ingrained in the minds of the students, which causes and/or increases their fear of math.

1 problem = 1 solution

Students are accustomed to the fact that to answer math problems, they must memorize the formula.

This is not entirely true.

Though we must answer the problem using the formula as a guide, math educators encourage students not only to memorize the problem but, more importantly, to understand it.

By understanding the problem, you can easily derive an alternative formula that you can use aside from what your math professor teaches you.

With more options in your mind, the less likely you are to have math anxiety.

Remember that there are other possibilities to be explored rather than memorizing the formula.

Average people = a hopeless case

This idea has bothered and discouraged math students.

They believe that those who are mathematically inclined are the only ones who are destined for math excellence.

While there are students who were born to be mathematically “gifted,” most people who have acquired mathematical fame brag not on genes but on hard work and perseverance.

People who constantly feel inferior because of math inadequacy also suffer from social anxiety.

This is characterized by a fear of social interaction or peer judgment.

In this light, instead of pressing on, they contend that they are average.

Math = Males

This sexist notion has been considered true by many people, especially men. 🙂

However, this myth is no longer applicable as female students have already proven their worth in math-related subjects.

Math anxiety is a real problem that has long endured in the minds of students.

And with the addition of being compared to math “geniuses”, this furthers the problem.

That is why it is always best to overcome the anxiety first before trying any new ways to learn math.

Get rid of math phobias, and math will come easier.

Anyway, remember that all of those mathematical myths are “all in the mind.”