1 / 32

Math Anxiety Attitudes Workshop

Math Anxiety Attitudes Workshop. Beth Wells Northern Kentucky University wellsb2@nku.edu. 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.

conan-trevino
Download Presentation

Math Anxiety Attitudes Workshop

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Math Anxiety Attitudes Workshop Beth Wells Northern Kentucky University wellsb2@nku.edu

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. Math Center Data

  5. 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!

  6. 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

  7. Where and How the MAW Was Offered • Dev. Math classes: Running Start • During workshop time • Non-Math classes • Open workshop • SSS • UNV 101 class

  8. 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

  9. What the MAW Includes • Math Cycle • Good or Bad

  10. What the MAW Includes • How to break the cycle • Create good experiences • Create/fake good attitudes • Start good habits

  11. What the MAW Includes • Good Math habits • Study skills • How/When to get help • Test taking tips • How college is different from high school

  12. What the MAW Includes • Resources • Friends/Family • Faculty • Math Center • Retention Office • Counseling Office

  13. 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

  14. MAW PowerPoint and Handout can be found at: lap.nku.edu/mathcenter/MAW.php

  15. Discussion Questions • What type of workshops have been successful? • Do you do workshops on Math Anxiety/Attitudes? How? When?

  16. Math Attitudes Workshop

  17. 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”.

  18. 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.

  19. 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.

  20. 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.

  21. 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.

  22. Why do people believe Math Myths? • It is socially acceptable to hate/not be good at math. • People in authority believe the myths.

  23. Bad or Good Math Cycle

  24. 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).

  25. 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.

  26. 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.

  27. 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

  28. 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

  29. Good Math Habits-Homework • Know where to get help: • Professor • Math Center • Friends • Family

  30. 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

  31. 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.

  32. Good Math Habits-After Tests • Analyze homework/quizzes/tests. • Pay attention to your math strengths and weaknesses. • Rework problems you get wrong.

More Related