When children hear the word “math,” it does not conjure up images of enchantment. Instead, they are terrified, lose energy, and get exhausted even when they are not still doing any computation, Nobody knows exactly when Math terrified schoolchildren. Some research has shown that Math Fear or Anxiety is passed down. There has also been study undertaken with young adults that shows a link between math anxiety and math achievement (Ramirez, 2013).
The typical expressions “Math is hard,” “I don’t like numbers,” and “I am good in English, that is why I am poor in Math” are frequently heard from parents when their children seek them for help with their schoolwork. According to studies, a child’s early mind has the ability to imprint information that will be remembered. These remarks may give children the notion that their parents are not strong in math, but they are successful, so why bother being a math enthusiast?
Most, if not all, math teachers in schools are labeled as “terror teachers” since their students already have a bad attitude toward the subject. Furthermore, if teachers are not as committed to ensuring that their students master the lesson in the most patient manner possible, their dread of the subject will undoubtedly increase. Whether you admit it or not, most Math lessons revolve around the chalkboard debate. Less participatory exercises that can cater to the energetic lifestyle of young students. Worst of all, youngsters are passive; they do not even ask questions since they are no longer interested in learning and are only concerned with passing the subject.
The importance of learning Math in everyday life cannot be overstated. It is just normal and proper for every grader to grasp arithmetic, the fundamentals, before progressing to a much higher level of skills; yet, before the lessons are offered, they are already thinking they cannot understand, they cannot get a good test score since it is math.
As the famous adage goes, “prevention is better than cure,” and so the love for math must begin at home. Parents can show their children that there is nothing to be afraid of by teaching them early math lessons like counting with fun and enthusiasm. Even simple lessons like colors and shapes, which are very engaging to children, must be taught to them at home since these are also associated with math. They may recognize at a young age that math is enjoyable to learn.
Teachers, on the other hand, must commit to creating an interesting learning environment when Math is the subject. Manipulatives, films, and PowerPoint presentations are just a few examples of strategic resources that can pique a student’s attention and eventually lead to a liking for math. And, of course, educators face the difficulty of sustainability. To counteract children’s fear of math, joint work from home and school is required. Positive inputs will result in positive outcomes.
It may be challenging, but not impossible. Let us create a community of Math-loving learners, and the fruit we reap in the future will be far sweeter!
