Effective Strategies to Reduce Math Anxiety in Teachers and Students

The purpose of this research project is to develop ways to effectively reduce math anxiety in both teachers and students. This study explores the strategies teachers currently use to reduce the level of anxiety that they face in doing and teaching mathematics, as well as to prevent challenges that students face in learning mathematics. Data was collected through semi- structured interviews with three in-service teachers from the Greater Toronto Area. The sample of teachers used in this study was purposefully selected to ensure they either experienced math anxiety or contained knowledge about math anxiety. Findings suggest that some methods can help reduce teachers’ anxiety in mathematics. They include: promoting group work, using a student-centered approach, use of technology and manipulatives to engage students, creating an open dialogue with students about math anxiety, journaling and self-reflecting on lessons for improvements, detailed planned lessons, and becoming more familiar with the content of the mathematics curriculum. Educators in this study suggest that applying these tactics can also benefit and decrease students’ anxiety