Each semester should begin with a day or two of frank and open discussion about math attitudes. An atmosphere of trust and helpfulness will develop, and students will be more likely to ask questions and get help.
Math anxiety programs work! Students enrolled in math anxiety workshops at the beginning of the semester take more responsibility for their own education and make better grades than students who do not.
The issues addressed in a math anxiety program help students with all aspects of their lives.
Here's What You Do...
Math! A Four Letter Word - View the video and read the book. (Take special note of the chapter for teachers and tutors.)
Define your objectives. Analyze your students’ needs and your time to formulate a curriculum that will work for your institution. This program can be used in math classes, workshops, learning assistance or counseling centers, and many other settings. Although it can be viewed by students individually, it is more powerful if used in groups with a facilitator.
Have students write their personal math histories. (See Chapter 6, page 67 of the book.)
Discuss their math histories. If possible, sit in a circle with no more than 15 students so that everyone will have a chance to talk about their feelings and experiences with math. The teacher or workshop leader should set the pace by taking a first turn. Even most teachers will have some fear or negative feeling about math they had to overcome. Positive and negative experiences should be encouraged.
Show the video to your students.
Encourage classroom discussion of the video. For example, discuss specific comments in the student’s math histories that are examples of the math myths discussed in the video.
Assign a reading of the 100 page book, Math! A Four Letter Word.
Encourage classroom discussion of the ideas presented in the book. During the semester students will often say or do something that will afford the perfect opportunity to discuss a specific point presented in the book.
And most importantly, create an atmosphere in your classroom where students are not afraid to ask questions and are not afraid to share their feelings about math.
