DID YOU KNOW

Did you know that fear of math, in general, is called arithmophobia? Anything that has something do with numbers would fall under that category. On a serious note, this simple ‘fear of math’ can actually lead to math anxiety, experts say. Math anxiety is as a “feeling of tension, apprehension, or fear that interferes with math performance”, according to Ashcraft.

In a journal of the Psychology and Clinical Psychiatry on Med Crave, this kind of anxiety can be present in all ages. It could be from pre-school to graduate students and beyond, across borders in the world. However, in most cases, this is common among young students. Well, developing good math skills is an essential milestone towards self-development of kids. The process leads to a stable concentration level, listening skills, and reasoning skills. Yet Sian Beilock’s study reveals math anxiety is often related to performance and the pressure on the kids to perform well. And this situation is more observed among Asian students. Perhaps, it has something to do with their cultural upbringing. Thus, the study implies that parents bear a great responsibility in instilling them either a negative or positive disposition towards the subject. Learning doesn’t always have to be boring and one fun way of introducing mathematics to them is through some fun apps. Interestingly, these Math games do not just work for children but also for adults. Studies say those who engage in educational apps, regardless of age, are more likely to maintain a healthy mental activity. Yet, another responsibility lies in the hands of the educators. Findings suggest that teachers should take the time and effort to face this anxiety like any other phobia. One-on-one tutoring sessions do not just improve the cognitive skills of children, it also reduces their anxiety or discouragement towards math.