How to Overcome Mathphobia (a hatred of Math) and Be a Success in Math

I HATE Math!

I teach Mathphobics on the college level who aren't always thrilled to be in my math class. Last week, as the students were entering and finding seats, I was greeted with, “Math is my worst enemy!” I guess this particular student was waiting for an impending Math Attack. But then I began thinking, “Should this student wait to be attacked or learn how to approach and conquer the enemy?” Since winning any battle requires forethought and planning, here is a three step battle plan for Mathphobics.

1) Determine why math is your enemy. Did you have a bad experience? Were you ever made to feel stupid, foolish, or brainless? Did your parents say they didn’t like math, and it was a family heredity issue? (One of the curious characteristics about our society is that it is now socially acceptable to take pride in hating mathematics. It’s like wearing a badge of honor or is that dishonor? Who would ever admit to not being able to read or write?) Math is an essential subject and without math, not much is possible...not even telling time!

2) Be optimistic. Suffering from pessimism when thinking of or doing math problems makes it impossible to enjoy math. Come to class ready to learn. At the end of class, write down one thing you learned or thought was fun. I realize math teachers are a big part of how a student views math. In fact, one of the most important factors in a student’s attitude toward mathematics is the teacher and the classroom environment. Just using lecture, discussion, and seat work does not create much interest in mathematics. You've been in that class. Go over the homework; do samples of the new homework; start the new homework. Hands-on activities, songs, visuals, graphic organizers, and connecting math to real life engage students, create forums for discussion, and make math meaningful and useful.

3) Prove Yourself. Take baby steps, but be consistent. Faithfully do the homework and have someone check it. Don’t miss one math class! You can’t learn if you aren't there. Join in the discussions. Think about and write down your questions and share them with your teacher or with the class. Study for an upcoming test by reviewing 15 minutes each night a week before the test. Get help through tutoring, asking your instructor, or becoming a part of a study group. Keep in mind, no one is destined for defeat!

So don’t just sit there and wait for the dreaded Math Attack. Meet it head on with a three step battle plan in hand!
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Defeating Negative Self-Talk

One of the biggest problems with the college students I teach is their math anxiety level. Math anxiety is the felling of tension and anxiety that interferes with the manipulation of numbers and the solving of math problems during tests. In other words - mathphobia! This is a learned condition, not something they are born with and is in no way related to how smart a student is. In my Conquering College class, we have been looking at causes for anxiety which include bad experiences, teacher and/peer embarrassment and humiliation, or being shamed by family members. We've been looking at ways to reduce math anxiety such as short term relaxation as well as long term techniques and managing negative self-talk.

For many of my students, a song is the best way of remembering. I found an old nonsense song by Roger Miller entitled, You Can't Roller Skate in a Buffalo Herd. First we read over the words. Next we watched a video on You Tube and then we actually sang the song. I replaced the words "But Ya can be happy if you've a mind to" with "But ya can be positive if you put your mind to it."

You Can’t Roller Skate in a Buffalo Herd

By Roger Miller

Ya can’t roller skate in a buffalo herd,

Ya can’t roller skate in a buffalo herd,

  Ya can’t roller skate in a buffalo herd,

*But ya can be positive if ya put your mind to it.

 Ya can’t take a shower in a parakeet cage,

 Ya can’t take a shower in a parakeet cage,

 Ya can’t take a shower in a parakeet cage,

 *But ya can be positive if ya put your mind to it.

All ya gotta do is put your mind to it,

Knuckle down, buckle down,

Do it, do it, do it!

Well, ya can’t go swimmin’ in a baseball pool,

Well, ya can’t go swimmin’ in a baseball pool,

Well, ya can’t go swimmin’ in a baseball pool,

 *But ya can be positive if ya put your mind to it.

Ya can’t change film with a kid on your back,

Ya can’t change film with a kid on your back,

Ya can’t change film with a kid on your back,

 *But ya can be positive if ya put your mind to it.

Ya can’t drive around with a tiger in your car,

Ya can’t drive around with a tiger in your car,

Ya can’t drive around with a tiger in your car,

*But ya can be positive if ya put your mind to it.

All ya gotta do is put your mind to it,

Knuckle down, buckle down,

Do it, do it, do it!

Well, ya can’t roller skate in a buffalo herd,

Ya can’t roller skate in a buffalo herd,

Ya can’t roller skate in a buffalo herd,

 *But ya can be positive if ya put your mind to it.

Ya can’t go fishin’ in a watermelon patch,

Ya can’t go fishin’ in a watermelon patch,

Ya can’t go fishin’ in a watermelon patch,

*But ya can be positive if ya put your mind to it.

 Ya can’t roller skate in a buffalo herd,

 Ya can’t roller skate in a buffalo herd,

  Ya can’t roller skate in a buffalo herd,

  *But ya can be positive if ya put your mind to it.

So how did the lesson go? Let's just say that my college students were having so much fun singing the song that the secretary had to come and shut our classroom door. And the response from the students the next day, "I can't get that song out of mind!" Maybe negative self-talk has finally met its match!