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People are afraid of looking incompetent : how can we stop fear of mathematics from holding us back?
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Apostolidu, Masha and Johnston-Wilder, Sue (2023) People are afraid of looking incompetent : how can we stop fear of mathematics from holding us back? In: 3rd International Conference On Developing Mathematical Resilience, Open University, Milton Keynes, 1-2 Jul 2022. Published in: Proceedings of the DMR International Conference
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Abstract
Mathematics anxiety is a prevalent problem: about a third of the students globally report fear of mathematics. Recent studies suggest that math anxiety might be negatively related to individuals' ability to make advantageous choices and decisions beyond classrooms. There is a growing need for simple, comprehensive, practical approaches available to educators, carers and learners to address this and overcome emotional barriers to learning mathematics.
This paper, discusses the results of a qualitative small-scale study implementing ‘The Toolkit’, a new approach introduced by Johnston-Wilder at al. (2020). The research underpinning The Toolkit is reviewed, the notion of psychological safety introduced and the process of the intervention is described.
The results report reduced levels of anxiety and development of positivity towards mathematics. The key themes highlight the importance of addressing emotional aspects of learning mathematics in the classroom. All participants have rated the Toolkit as ‘extremely useful’ and would advise it as a practical strategy to anyone having mathematics anxiety. This approach warrants further research to properly establish its efficacy in different contexts.
Item Type: | Conference Item (Paper) | ||||||
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Subjects: | Q Science > QA Mathematics | ||||||
Divisions: | Faculty of Social Sciences > Centre for Education Studies (2013- ) | ||||||
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): | Mathematical ability -- Testing , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- Psychological aspects, Math anxiety | ||||||
Journal or Publication Title: | Proceedings of the DMR International Conference | ||||||
Official Date: | 2023 | ||||||
Dates: |
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Status: | Peer Reviewed | ||||||
Publication Status: | Published | ||||||
Access rights to Published version: | Free Access (unspecified licence, 'bronze OA') | ||||||
Date of first compliant deposit: | 20 February 2023 | ||||||
Date of first compliant Open Access: | 20 February 2023 | ||||||
Conference Paper Type: | Paper | ||||||
Title of Event: | 3rd International Conference On Developing Mathematical Resilience | ||||||
Type of Event: | Conference | ||||||
Location of Event: | Open University, Milton Keynes | ||||||
Date(s) of Event: | 1-2 Jul 2022 |
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