Mathematics phobia is often viewed as a real issue by people belonging to any generation. First it starts from childhood and then to teenage and so on. We make a judgement on it by our past experience and people judgement in our surrounding and it is carried forward by age. Even though these people don’t take a moment to observe themselves that they are sharply using mathematics throughout the day likes measuring height, amount of ingredient while cooking, in bargaining while shopping, paying to someone etc. These are some basic activities where we use mathematics on daily basis.
As per the student prospective, a student always perceives mathematics as a challenging subject which leads to feeling of anxiety or fear. And from an institution’s prospective, understanding and addressing Mathematics phobia is crucial, especially when interacting with students.
With CBSE and other Boards, giving students a choice of not taking mathematics after class X, and dividing Maths as standard and advanced in Class IX and X, it becomes very difficult for students to cope up with subjects like Statistics, Quantitative Techniques, and even Accounting and Finance in some cases.
As a Mathematics faculty, I feel that students can overcome the anxiety by a mindset shift, through practical strategies and by practice.
Firstly, we have to identify the trigger, as to why there is a phobia of mathematics. Then, we need to cultivate a positive mindset in the students, and finally, they need to practice regularly, seeking support from their surroundings to help wherever. They should try and apply it to real life situations to relate more to it, and last but not the least maintain a relaxed approach.
Submitted by
Varkha Bhardwaj
Assistant Professor – Mathematics
Asian School of Bussiness