math anxiety attitudes workshop beth wells northern kentucky university [email protected]
TRANSCRIPT
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
Two centers: drop-in and appointment One center that offered both Only appointment tutoring Back to one center that offers both
Math Center Data
Fall 2008 Spring 2009
Tutored Total Tutored Total
Number 310 (8%) 3938 268 (8%) 3446
Pass Rate 68% 72% 67% 72%
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!
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
Where and How the MAW Was Offered
Dev. Math classes: Running Start During workshop time
Non-Math classes Open workshop SSS UNV 101 class
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
What the MAW Includes
Math Cycle Good or Bad
Math Experiences
Math Attitudes
Math Habits
What the MAW Includes
How to break the cycle Create good experiences Create/fake good attitudes Start good habits
What the MAW Includes
Good Math habits Study skills How/When to get help Test taking tips How college is different from high school
What the MAW Includes
Resources Friends/Family Faculty Math Center Retention Office Counseling Office
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
MAW PowerPoint and Handout can be found at:
lap.nku.edu/mathcenter/MAW.php
Discussion Questions
What type of workshops have been successful?
Do you do workshops on Math Anxiety/Attitudes? How? When?
Math Attitudes Workshop
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”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why do people believe Math Myths?
It is socially acceptable to hate/not be good at math.
People in authority believe the myths.
Bad or Good Math Cycle
Math Experiences
Math Attitudes
Math Habits
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).
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.
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.
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
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
Good Math Habits-Homework
Know where to get help:– Professor– Math Center– Friends– Family
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
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.
Good Math Habits-After Tests
Analyze homework/quizzes/tests. – Pay attention to your math strengths and
weaknesses.
Rework problems you get wrong.