Math has long been a source of stress and anxiety for many students. These negative emotions can affect their overall well-being, especially when it comes to learning and practicing math. Poor "mathematical well-being" arises when students feel hopeless, inadequate, or overwhelmed by math tasks. If left unchecked, these feelings can grow into full-blown math anxiety, leading students to avoid math-related subjects, courses, and even careers. Interestingly, many students begin their school years enjoying math, but this enthusiasm often fades as they progress through their education, sometimes lingering into adulthood.
Insights From Research
At universities, it’s common to encounter student teachers who struggle with confidence in their math skills and teaching abilities. Many of them share feelings of shame and inadequacy stemming from their own negative experiences with math in school. These often include unsupportive teaching practices, such as being forced to solve problems on the spot or having their results made public in front of classmates. Such situations frequently left them feeling embarrassed and anxious.
However, it’s not all bad. Research has also revealed that supportive and understanding teachers can make a significant positive impact. Many students fondly recall teachers who were kind, patient, and approachable. In fact, about one-third of students surveyed credited their positive experiences with math to these encouraging educators.
Building Better Math Learning Environments
There are several ways educators can help students overcome negative math experiences and foster a more positive relationship with the subject:
Work with emotions: Teachers can help students identify their negative emotions and find ways to turn them into motivation.
Normalize struggles: Encouraging students to share their feelings in a supportive environment can show them they are not alone.
Prioritize well-being: Teachers should view students' mathematical well-being as equally important as academic progress, ensuring lessons are both engaging and relevant to real-life contexts.
Avoid intimidating methods: Practices like publicizing results or singling students out to answer in front of peers should be avoided. Instead, focus on approaches that build confidence and reduce fear.
A Path to Positive Change
Math doesn’t have to be a subject filled with dread. By addressing the emotional challenges students face and adopting supportive teaching practices, educators can make math more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Helping future teachers feel confident in their math abilities not only improves their own well-being but also equips them to create positive learning experiences for the next generation.
Picture: Female beginner math teacher (Designer)
