1. Overcoming Math Anxiety
May 31, 2016
Edwin Cruz
Black Collegians/Adelante Programs

2. Math Tutoring Services
SMC Math Lab
MC 84, Mon-Thurs 8am-10pm, Fri 8am-4pm
2. STEM Tutoring
Drescher Hall 302, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
3. Adelante/Black Collegians
Counseling Complex
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

3. Agenda What is Math Anxiety? How to Cope with Math Anxiety
Relaxation Techniques
Tips & Tricks for Success in Math

6. Math Anxiety What is Math Anxiety?
“Feelings of tension that interfere with the manipulation of numbers and the solving of problems in a wide variety of ordinary life and academic situations.”
(Robinson and Simone, 1972)

7. Math Anxiety Nausea Light-headedness Sweaty palms Butterflies
Heart pounding
Fainting
Going blank
Worrying about failing
Trouble concentrating
Diarrhea
Throwing up
Shaking
Headaches
Feeling tense
Crying

8. Math Anxiety
The first thing people remember about failing at math is that it felt like sudden death.
Whether it happened while learning word problems in sixth grade, coping with equations in high school, or first confronting calculus and statistics in college, failure was sudden and frightening.
Why do we hate math? Is it early childhood experiences at home? Because a teacher made us afraid of it? Have we accepted societies assumptions?

9. How to Cope with Math Anxiety
We learned to be afraid of math. Math anxiety is a learned emotional response. Your thoughts about math, not external events, make you upset.
There is no such thing as a math brain or math gene. We are all capable of being successful in math!
Focused activity reduces fear and anxiety. The key is to take action rather than remaining frozen in your negative thoughts.
Cognitive reframing: a psychological technique for turning a negative into a positive.

10. How to Cope with Math Anxiety
Practice mindfulness: “Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way. On purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.”
Mindfulness increases positive emotions while reducing negative emotions, worry and anxiety.
Focus on your present stream of consciousness without reacting to your thoughts and feelings or judging them as being “right” or “wrong”.

11. Relaxation Techniques
Deep Breathing
Tensing and Differential Relaxation
Palming (Visualization) Method
Five Finger Relaxation

12. Tips & Tricks for Success in Math
Classroom
1. Attend classes and practice active listening
2. Ask questions
3. Math is cumulative
Studying & Homework
1. Practice! Practice! Practice!
2. Warm up your brain before starting the assigned homework
3. Do your homework
4. Don't panic
5. Learn from your mistakes
6. Don't be afraid of word problems
7. Ten Minutes Frustration Rule
8. Seek tutoring
9. Have a study buddy/math BFF!
10. Use technology to your advantage

13. Tips & Tricks for Success in Math
Preparing for Exams
1. Study early and without distractions
2. Using your homework and textbook
3. Analyze the errors you make on quizzes and tests
4. Seek additional help

14. Math Tutoring Services

15. Overcoming Math Anxiety
May 31, 2016
Edwin Cruz
Black Collegians/Adelante Programs