The combination of concern about math learning loss with the generally high level of math anxiety among US adults sparked us to write this thought piece. Written from a place of personal experience, it's a story I think many who embrace a strengths-based approach will appreciate.
By Rebecca Honig and Françoise Lartigue, Ready4K Content Leaders
As we get farther into a school year so disrupted by the pandemic, research is beginning to emerge on areas in which students seem to be experiencing the largest loss. Initial findings suggest that math may be at the top of the list.
Three studies based on NWEA data predicted students could learn up to a full year less math in 2020-21, compared to what they would learn in a typical year.
As family engagement specialists, we look at ways that we can help to close those gaps through parent and caregiver involvement. To do that, though, we first need to address the elephant in the room:
Math-phobia.
Many parents and caregivers are scared of math. As a matter of fact, as many as 1 in 5 U.S. adults report severe math anxiety.
And we know that pandemic anxiety related to job loss, health and so many other daily uncertainties, can only make it harder to engage in a subject that triggers a stress response.
Why is Math Stressful?
When asked why they have math anxiety, adults have common concerns to share:
Many have negative memories of their own experiences in math.
Some worry that math is a world of right and wrong.
Others are concerned that math is taught differently now and they don’t want to confuse children by sharing math strategies that they remember from their own childhood.
For many math feels like something better left untouched in the home.
Many have been sold a big Math Myth — that some people are good at math… and some aren’t.
Rebecca’s Story: Meet My Mathephant
I have to admit that for a long time I was one of these people.
Comments (0)