Math Anxiety Attitudes Workshop Beth Wells Northern Kentucky University [email protected].

Math Anxiety Attitudes Workshop

Beth WellsNorthern Kentucky University

[email protected]

Overview

NKU’s Math Center Past Math Anxiety Workshops Why we went from Anxiety to Attitudes What we did for Fall 2008 What we will do for Fall 2009

History of the Math Center

Two centers: drop-in and appointment One center that offered both Only appointment tutoring Back to one center that offers both

Math Center Data

Fall 2008 Spring 2009

Tutored Total Tutored Total

Number 310 (8%) 3938 268 (8%) 3446

Pass Rate 68% 72% 67% 72%

History of Math Anxiety Workshops

Math Center Offered by me Focused on causes and study skills

Retention Office Offered by counselor Focused on relaxation techniques

Common Themes No one came!

How the MAW Came About

In-class was the way to go Needs to apply to all students

Our Belief: If students are more prepared they will be less anxious about Math

Where and How the MAW Was Offered

Dev. Math classes: Running Start During workshop time

Non-Math classes Open workshop SSS UNV 101 class

What the MAW Includes Math Myths

All I need is a “C” Need a Math Brain to do Math I don’t need Math There is only one way to do Math Normal Stereotypes

Why people believe these myths

What the MAW Includes

Math Cycle Good or Bad

Math Experiences

Math Attitudes

Math Habits

What the MAW Includes

How to break the cycle Create good experiences Create/fake good attitudes Start good habits

What the MAW Includes

Good Math habits Study skills How/When to get help Test taking tips How college is different from high school

What the MAW Includes

Resources Friends/Family Faculty Math Center Retention Office Counseling Office

Changes for Fall 2009

Changes to developmental math courses Going from two courses to one Course will be 4 credit hours built-in activity

time

Data collection

MAW PowerPoint and Handout can be found at:

lap.nku.edu/mathcenter/MAW.php

Discussion Questions

What type of workshops have been successful?

Do you do workshops on Math Anxiety/Attitudes? How? When?

Math Attitudes Workshop

Myth: Aiming for a “C” is fine.

• Aiming for a “C” does not give you any wiggle room.

• Even though a “C” is passing, it indicates that you are not as well prepared for the next class as someone with an “A” or a “B”.

Myth: You need a “math brain” to do math.

Any one can do math! If you don’t have a “math brain” now, you can

grow one.

Myth: I will never need math.

We use math everyday:– Money, distance/speed, time

Math is a common language Math is logic Math is required to complete your goal of

getting a degree.– Your general studies math course must be

completed by 45 credit hours.

Myth: There is only one way to do math.

Each person has their own unique math style.

A professor or tutor may give you the way THEY understand best.

It is up to you to find the right way for you.

Myth: I can’t do math because I’m: a girl, a boy, too young, too old, etc.

There are no limits to who can do math. If you can’t do math now, it’s probably

because :– People around you didn’t think you could do math.– You haven’t had enough good math experiences.– You haven’t found YOUR way of doing math.

Why do people believe Math Myths?

It is socially acceptable to hate/not be good at math.

People in authority believe the myths.

Bad or Good Math Cycle

Math Experiences

Math Attitudes

Math Habits

How do I change bad math attitudes to good?

Start good math habits. Create good math experiences.

– Find ways to make math enjoyable.

Fake it.– Use positive self talk (say it till you believe it).

Good Math Habits-Before Class

Set up a study schedule. Read the text book before class. Try to NEVER miss a math class.

– If you do, contact your professor as soon as possible to find out what you missed.

Good Math Habits-During Class

Take notes. Pay attention. Ask questions.

– If you still have questions after class, go to your professor during their office hours.

Good Math Habits-After Class

Do problems within 5 hours of class Study Math as often as possible

– 5 days a week or more– Between 6 and 9 hours per week

Good Math Habits-Homework

Do ALL assigned homework. Do homework when it is assigned, not when

it is due. Check answers. When stuck:

– move on– Get help as soon as possible

Good Math Habits-Homework

Know where to get help:– Professor– Math Center– Friends– Family

Good Math Habits-Before Tests

Start preparing as soon as possible. Study by DOING problems. Try to do problems out of order.

– Chapter tests and reviews in your book– Practice tests at www.nku.edu/~mah

Good Math Habits-During Tests

Look over the whole test. Don’t spend too much time on one question.

– Time divided by # of questions

Start with the questions you know. Check for common mistakes.

Good Math Habits-After Tests

Analyze homework/quizzes/tests. – Pay attention to your math strengths and

weaknesses.

Rework problems you get wrong.