What is Maths Anxiety And How Can a Maths Tutor Help?

30/07/2024 / Maths Tutoring

Mathematics is often considered the backbone of many fields, from science and engineering to finance and technology.

However, for a significant number of students in the UK, just the thought of maths can trigger feelings of fear and anxiety.

This phenomenon, known as maths anxiety, can be a major barrier to learning and enjoying the subject.

As experts in online mathematics tuition here at Principal Tutors, we will explore what maths anxiety is, what causes it, and how a maths tutor can be a game-changer in overcoming it.

First, we will look at the brief answer before exploring this phenomenon further.

Maths anxiety is an intense fear or worry about maths. A maths tutor helps by providing personalised learning, building confidence, teaching anxiety management techniques, and fostering problem-solving skills, which help to reduce anxiety and improve mathematical understanding.

So with the takeaway in place, let’s find out more about this type of maths-related stress.

What is Maths Anxiety?

Maths anxiety is a feeling of intense worry or fear.

It’s more than just disliking the subject; it’s a real emotional response that can make it difficult to think clearly and solve problems.

This anxiety can show up in different ways.

• Physical symptoms: Sweating, a fast heartbeat, or feeling sick when faced with maths problems.

• Emotional symptoms: Feelings of dread, panic, or helplessness about maths.

• Cognitive symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, remembering maths facts, or solving problems.

What Do The Experts Say About Maths Anxiety?

Experts describe maths anxiety as a feeling of stress and fear when faced with maths tasks.

According to 2019  research from the University of Cambridge, it can cause physical symptoms like sweating and mental blocks that make solving problems harder as we discovered earlier.

This anxiety often starts early in school due to negative experiences or the belief that maths is naturally difficult.

Dr Sian Beilock, a cognitive scientist, explained that maths anxiety can impact not just school performance but also career choices, making people avoid jobs in science, technology, engineering, and maths.

Why Do People Get Maths Anxiety?

There can be many different causes of why your child may develop maths anxiety.

Let’s explore a few of the main ones below.

Early Negative Experiences

A lot of maths anxiety starts with early negative experiences in school. Maybe a teacher was overly critical, or a student struggled with a particular topic and felt embarrassed.

These sorts of experiences can stay with children and make them anxious about future maths tasks.

Societal Attitudes

In many places, including the UK, there’s a common belief that this subject is tough and that it’s normal to struggle with it.

You’ve probably heard people say, “I’m just not a maths person.” This could discourage students and make them feel that it’s okay to give up on maths.

Pressure to Perform

High-stakes testing, like GCSEs and A-levels, can create a lot of pressure. The fear of failing these important exams can make students anxious, which in turn can negatively affect their performance.

Lack of Confidence

When students repeatedly struggle with this subject they can start to lose confidence in their abilities.

This can lead to a cycle where they expect to do poorly, which makes them anxious. The anxiety may then cause them to perform badly.

The UK charity National Numeracy points out that this anxiety can knock a person’s confidence and overall well-being, leading them to avoid maths altogether.

Another expert, Educational psychologist Dr. Jo Boaler suggests that adopting a growth mindset, where students focus on improving through effort rather than believing they are inherently bad at maths, can help reduce the feelings of hopelessness and fear surrounding Maths.

It seems, however, that the experts all agree that with the right support, such as personalised tutoring, students can overcome maths anxiety.

The best online maths tutoring in the UK and beyond can provide a safe space for learning, build confidence, and also teach strategies to manage stress. This will help to make this subject more approachable and less intimidating.

How Maths Anxiety Affects Students

Maths anxiety doesn’t just make it hard to do well in maths class. It can have a ripple effect, impacting other areas of life and learning.

Academic Performance

Students with this debilitating condition often avoid maths classes and homework, which means they miss out on important learning opportunities.

This can lead to gaps in knowledge that make it even harder to succeed in maths.

Career Choices

Many careers require a good understanding of maths. When students are anxious about it,  they might avoid careers in fields like science, engineering, or finance, even if they have the potential to succeed in these areas.

Mental Health

The stress and frustration associated with maths anxiety can affect a student’s overall mental health.

It can lead to low self-esteem, increased anxiety in other areas, and even depression.

How a Maths Tutor Can Help

The good news is that maths anxiety can be managed and overcome with the right support.

A skilled maths tutor can make a huge difference. Here’s how:

1. Personalised Learning

Everyone learns differently. This is why here at Principal Tutors we tailor our teaching methods to fit the student’s learning style and pace.

A personalised approach can help students understand concepts in a way that makes sense to them.

2. Building Confidence

A tutor can create a safe and supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable making mistakes and asking questions.

As students start to understand and master new concepts, their confidence grows. This boost in confidence can reduce anxiety and make learning maths more enjoyable.

3. Practical Techniques to Manage Anxiety

Tutors can teach students practical strategies to manage their anxiety. This might include relaxation techniques, mindfulness exercises, and ways to stay calm during tests.

These skills can help students approach maths problems with a clearer mind and less stress.

4. Developing Problem-Solving Skills

Maths is not just about memorising formulas; it’s about solving problems. A tutor can help students develop strong problem-solving skills by teaching them how to break down complex problems into manageable steps.

This approach not only helps with their maths studies but also improves overall thinking and analytical skills.

5. Encouraging a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is the belief that abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication.

Tutors can help students develop this mindset by encouraging them to see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than as obstacles. This positive attitude can make a big difference in overcoming maths anxiety.

6. Continuous Feedback

Regular feedback is crucial for learning. Tutors provide ongoing, constructive feedback that helps students understand their mistakes and learn from them. This continuous assessment ensures that students are making progress and staying on track.

For more reading check out our other useful guide.

 

What is Maths Anxiety And How Can a Maths Tutor Help? – Final Thoughts

Maths anxiety is a common challenge, but it doesn’t have to hold you or your children back. With the right support, it’s possible to overcome this anxiety and succeed in maths.

As we’ve discovered in our latest blog, A skilled maths tutor can provide a personalised experience, build confidence, and teach practical strategies to manage anxiety.

We can help you find the right tutor to help your child on this journey by connecting you with a maths tutor who  understands their unique needs. By using our tutor-pupil match you can transform their relationship with maths and unlock a world of potential!

Find an online maths tutor today using our pioneering tutor-pupil matchand take the first step towards conquering maths anxiety.