Math Anxiety Attitudes Workshop Beth Wells Northern Kentucky University

Overview  NKU’s Math Center  Past Math Anxiety Workshops  Why we went from Anxiety to Attitudes  What we did for Fall 2008  What we will do for Fall 2009

History of the Math Center  Two centers: drop-in and appointment  One center that offered both  Only appointment tutoring  Back to one center that offers both

Math Center Data Fall 2008Spring 2009 TutoredTotalTutoredTotal Number 310 (8%) (8%)3446 Pass Rate 68%72%67%72%

History of Math Anxiety Workshops  Math Center Offered by me Focused on causes and study skills  Retention Office Offered by counselor Focused on relaxation techniques  Common Themes No one came!

How the MAW Came About  In-class was the way to go Needs to apply to all students  Our Belief: If students are more prepared they will be less anxious about Math

Where and How the MAW Was Offered  Dev. Math classes: Running Start During workshop time  Non-Math classes Open workshop SSS UNV 101 class

What the MAW Includes  Math Myths All I need is a “C” Need a Math Brain to do Math I don’t need Math There is only one way to do Math Normal Stereotypes  Why people believe these myths

What the MAW Includes  Math Cycle Good or Bad Math Experiences Math Attitudes Math Habits

What the MAW Includes  How to break the cycle Create good experiences Create/fake good attitudes Start good habits

What the MAW Includes  Good Math habits Study skills How/When to get help Test taking tips How college is different from high school

What the MAW Includes  Resources Friends/Family Faculty Math Center Retention Office Counseling Office

Changes for Fall 2009  Changes to developmental math courses Going from two courses to one Course will be 4 credit hours built-in activity time  Data collection

MAW PowerPoint and Handout can be found at: lap.nku.edu/mathcenter/MAW.php

Discussion Questions  What type of workshops have been successful?  Do you do workshops on Math Anxiety/Attitudes? How? When?

Math Attitudes Workshop

Myth: Aiming for a “C” is fine. Aiming for a “C” does not give you any wiggle room. Even though a “C” is passing, it indicates that you are not as well prepared for the next class as someone with an “A” or a “B”.

Myth: You need a “math brain” to do math. Any one can do math! If you don’t have a “math brain” now, you can grow one.

Myth: I will never need math. We use math everyday: – Money, distance/speed, time Math is a common language Math is logic Math is required to complete your goal of getting a degree. – Your general studies math course must be completed by 45 credit hours.

Myth: There is only one way to do math. Each person has their own unique math style. A professor or tutor may give you the way THEY understand best. It is up to you to find the right way for you.

Myth: I can’t do math because I’m: a girl, a boy, too young, too old, etc. There are no limits to who can do math. If you can’t do math now, it’s probably because : – People around you didn’t think you could do math. – You haven’t had enough good math experiences. – You haven’t found YOUR way of doing math.

Why do people believe Math Myths? It is socially acceptable to hate/not be good at math. People in authority believe the myths.

Bad or Good Math Cycle Math Experience s Math Attitudes Math Habits

How do I change bad math attitudes to good? Start good math habits. Create good math experiences. – Find ways to make math enjoyable. Fake it. – Use positive self talk (say it till you believe it).

Good Math Habits-Before Class Set up a study schedule. Read the text book before class. Try to NEVER miss a math class. – If you do, contact your professor as soon as possible to find out what you missed.

Good Math Habits-During Class Take notes. Pay attention. Ask questions. – If you still have questions after class, go to your professor during their office hours.

Good Math Habits-After Class Do problems within 5 hours of class Study Math as often as possible – 5 days a week or more – Between 6 and 9 hours per week

Good Math Habits-Homework Do ALL assigned homework. Do homework when it is assigned, not when it is due. Check answers. When stuck: – move on – Get help as soon as possible

Good Math Habits-Homework Know where to get help: – Professor – Math Center – Friends – Family

Good Math Habits-Before Tests Start preparing as soon as possible. Study by DOING problems. Try to do problems out of order. – Chapter tests and reviews in your book – Practice tests at

Good Math Habits-During Tests Look over the whole test. Don’t spend too much time on one question. – Time divided by # of questions Start with the questions you know. Check for common mistakes.

Good Math Habits-After Tests Analyze homework/quizzes/tests. – Pay attention to your math strengths and weaknesses. Rework problems you get wrong.