Maths Anxiety: A Maths Undergrad’s Perspective
“Mathematics is a game played according to certain simple rules with meaningless marks on paper.”
-David Hilbert (German Mathematician)
Hi, I am Sreya aka Phiwhy?!? This is my first blog on Medium! I am currently a math undergrad who loves to write, read, eat, and sleep, and I am currently quite confused about what to pursue! My interests involve learning new things and public astronomy. I love watching through telescopes and solving math problems! I hope this COVID isn't rough on you and you are doing fine! I hope we can communicate through these platforms. Now, as a math undergrad and also a woman in STEM for the majority of my life(till now), I have struggled with the anxiety if I could pursue maths( as many suggested me not to, but again, many motivated me as well!), so I know how real this Math anxiety is, and you aren’t alone!!
All you need to know about Math Anxiety!
To whoever it may concern, you know math anxiety doesn’t come from practicing fewer math problems! No, it doesn’t! Math anxiety is a psychological phenomenon that affects individuals, regardless of their gender, who fear or feel anxious about math and mathematical tasks. It has many names, like numerophobia or mathophobia, but the most commonly used term is math anxiety. Math anxiety is a specific form of anxiety that is distinct from other forms of anxiety. According to research, math anxiety can begin as early as the fourth grade and peaks in middle school and high school. During these crucial years of education, students may experience negative classroom experiences, parental influences, and the memory of poor past math performance, which can contribute to the development and intensification of math anxiety.
Many times when you pass by a known figure and they ask you your favorite subject and by any chance you spurt the word “maths” in any of your replies, they start telling you stuff “math is difficult/super difficult, etc..” then they conclude “you must be super intelligent to love math ..ok’bbye”…
Bass hogaya!
Now you’re feeling guilty. Why do you like the subject? Your inferiority complex surrounds you and pushes you to the corner, realizing “I’m not intelligent enough to love maths” and pursuing a career in STEM. It is important to recognize that math anxiety is not indicative of a lack of intelligence or ability.
And your whole dream to the dustbin?! Never!
But let me tell you, you are not alone! Math anxiety is a common experience for many individuals, especially women in STEM(at least as far as I have networked)
Let me tell you that math is all about hard work and a bit about IQ (30%, I guess ☺), so never surrender until you yourself feel it to be the decision of the hour! I had an online IQ test (random free tests you get on the internet), which tells me I have an IQ of 116–20, considered high in some places but low in others. Still, I am doing math and dealing with the anxiety of not being able to cope with the curriculum. Several affairs had me so preoccupied that I found it challenging to focus on my studies and got grades I couldn’t speak of. My professors even told me in college I couldn’t do maths, and for months, I believed the narrative, but nowadays, especially after COVID struck, I realized not only was my passion ignited, but I could grasp and demonstrate quite complex topics in lucid form, and I want to work on that as I always thrived on becoming a Science Communicator through my love for maths and STEM subjects. One might not know, but I am involved with public astronomy! And that’s when it hit me—math anxiety is not a measure of my intelligence or capability. It is simply a hurdle that I can overcome with perseverance and support. I believe a wonderful career lies in front of me, and my love for math will not be hindered by the anxiety I may feel. And I also believe you are the same if you are reading this! We need a push, and I am here for you! Feel free to connect with me.
Tips to get rid of math anxiety:
- Practice sums regularly to build confidence and familiarity with mathematical concepts.
- Break down complex problems into smaller, manageable steps to alleviate overwhelm.
- When you learn a topic, try to solve the problems simultaneously. It helps one to analyze their analytic skills.
- Try problems from different grades, specifically competitive-type problems. It helps one enhance their problem-solving skills.
- Try each problem! I repeat, “Try them.” You may solve it or have a different approach to the same problem. This helps us to approach a specific problem, one not solved before. Mathematics is all about approaching, assuming, implementing, and trying different methods and providing evidence for the same theory to be wrong.
Thanks for reading my first post!
Please consider following my account for interesting math stuff! I’ll be sharing tricks and treats real soon!
