Notes that the current emphasis on nonroutine problem-solving techniques causes mathematics teachers to confront anxiety in their students more than ever. Suggests that, by using methods from Transactional Analysis, caring teachers can expand their affective role in helping students with mathematics anxiety by showing them how to get past their…

Possible reasons for the imbalance between men and women pursuing careers in science are discussed--disparity in cognitive abilities, personality characteristics, attitudes toward science, differences between in-school and out-of-school experiences, and gender differences in mathematics preparation. The implications for preparation of teachers of…

Discusses the concept of symmetrisation--the mental process in which individuals are not able to distinguish separate entities--in relation to students freezing before a mathematics problem. Examines whether the development of the concepts of fraction and equation in two mathematics textbooks addresses the problem of symmetrisation. (MDH)

This study investigated the propositions that (1) the expressed preference for formal-deductive style of thinking and mathematics anxiety are negatively correlated; (2) the preferred cognitive style is positively correlated with the respondent's self-assessment of mathematical ability; and (3) those expressing a preference for the analyst style of…

An overview of the status of female participation in mathematics is given. Special attention is paid to the evidence that participation in mathematics courses in high school acts as a filter for occupational choice. (MK)

Six features of a traditional mathematics curriculum that help establish math avoidance are discussed. Math avoidance is viewed as a natural reaction to so much of the experience of the student in situations euphemistically described as the learning of mathematics. (Author/MK)

Women tend to subscribe to a belief that they are less inclined than males to handle numbers, logic, or problem-solving tasks. Upward mobility in occupations is seen to be dependent on math. A list of math anxiety, math avoidance, and math reentry programs given around the country is provided. (MLW)

Reviewing research relating mathematical achievement to gender, the authors argue that remedies for math anxiety need to be evaluated and new techniques devised that are most closely linked to theories of learning. They maintain that proper techniques can be effective in reversing female underachievement and preventing math avoidance. (Author/SK)

Presents eleven open-ended questions used to address students' beliefs about mathematics that were culled from a wide variety of mathematics education populations. Each question is followed by a summary of typical responses from those populations that can help teachers plan instruction and structure the classroom environment. (JJK)

This publication focuses on the work of one bright but math avoidant student in a writing seminar in mathematics. The introductory portion of the document explains the philosophy, goals, and activities of the seminar. The course is intended to provide opportunities for students in the humanities to experience mathematics as a discipline at once…

Mathematics is perceived as a boring subject by some secondary students. Lists and describes 10 types of mathematical surprises across the secondary mathematics curriculum that help to make mathematics more interesting. (YP)

Contends that most students have potential to be successful in college level mathematics course if they develop requisite skills, self-motivation, and confidence to overcome academic deficiencies and memories of past negative learning experiences. Sees counselor as potentially useful in providing assessment and intervention strategies to deal with…

Reviews the evolution of math software from the 1980s to the present. Discusses how current notions of learning styles have changed software applications and how critical thinking and problem solving have impacted software development. Addresses the overall effect of technology on math anxiety and explores what new technology tools are available…

Following a discussion of various methods of evaluating the effectiveness of developmental programs, this paper presents a research design for the evaluation of a developmental math program. First, the paper examines the objectives and benefits of conducting formative and summative program evaluations. The paper then identifies the single group…

"Math anxiety" can be a lifelong stumbling block affecting the student's level of performance and willingness to go beyond the minimum courses required, and hindering career change or advancement. The cumulative nature of math learning, early insistence on the right answer with reasonable speed, paranoia that not understanding will result in…