1. You have 10 seconds to solve each of the following problems… WITH NO CALCULATOR! ① ② ③ What is the quadratic formula? Write an equation in standard form for the line passing through the points (5,-4) and (-1,-8). ④ ⑤ ⑥

2. Classroom Interactions Katie Ward Spring 2014

3. “People are very happy to say they don’t like math. No one walks around bragging that they can’t read, but it’s perfectly socially acceptable to say you don’t like math.” -Sian L. Beilock, University of Chicago

4. Math Myths #1 Men are better in math than women. #2 There is only one way to do a math problem. #3 Some people have a math mind and others don’t. #4 It’s bad to count on your fingers. #5 Those good in math do problems quickly in their heads.

5. Math anxiety… is defined as an intense feeling of frustration or helplessness about ones ability to understand and perform mathematical functions. Math anxiety… is more than just disliking math - someone with math anxiety feels negative emotions when engaging in an activity that requires numerical or mathematical skills. Math anxiety… can cause one to forget things and lose self-confidence. Math anxiety… results in poor performance.

6. Causes  Pressure of timed tests  Poor teaching methods in public schools  Unpleasant experiences in math  Risk of public embarrassment

7. Symptoms Psychological:  Confusion  Lack of confidence  Negative thoughts  Sudden memory loss  Panic and worry Physiological:  Rapid heart beat  Sweating  Nausea  Stomach disorders  Headaches

8. Ways to reduce the fear Review and learn basic math principles Consider math a foreign language – practice makes perfect Do not rely on memorization Ask questions Build a positive attitude towards math

9. References "Math Anxiety." Texas State University. Counseling Center. Retrieved from http://www.counseling.txstate.edu/resources/sho verview/bro/math.html. http://www.counseling.txstate.edu/resources/sho verview/bro/math.html Sparks, Sarah D. "Researchers Probe Causes of Math Anxiety." Education Week. Editorial Projects in Education, 16 May 2011. Web. Retrieved from http://tinyurl.com/4y9clxn. http://tinyurl.com/4y9clxn “What is Math Anxiety?” Web 2008. Retrieved from http://www.anxietyatoz.com/anxiety- types/math-anxiety.htm.http://www.anxietyatoz.com/anxiety- types/math-anxiety.htm

10. Is math an intellectual or emotional problem? Why are word problems so difficult?