The number of students continuing with their mathematics education post GCSE level has declined in recent years and hence students entering Engineering degrees are reducing. The University of Birmingham recognized this problem and introduced the Suite of Technology programme (STP) which no longer requires students to have A-level mathematics.…

The culture of the young may, in fact, be a harbinger enticing us to follow a pathway from which will emerge the re-conceptualized educational practices of this new century. The culture of those older will, no doubt, strive to maintain the more golden aspects of their now historical learning experiences. One of the tasks of all educators, but…

A counselor and a mathematics professor at Stephens College (Columbia, Missouri) reach faculty advisers through mathematics anxiety workshops that offer ways to reduce the female fear of figuring. The advisers learn how to recognize math anxiety and how to face up to the anxieties. (CT)

Statistics anxiety is hypothesized to be a closely related but a distinct construct from mathematics anxiety. However, many incorrectly conceive that statistics anxiety is the same construct as mathematics anxiety. Confusing statistics anxiety and mathematics anxiety is common among students as well as researchers. Frequent appearance of…

The majority of new jobs in the 21st century will require some postsecondary education. Yet more than one third of those entering college are underprepared and needful of remediation. In this essay the author shares with the reader his first experience of teaching the lowest level prealgebra course at an urban community college. This is a story of…

Describes a method used to reduce mathematics anxiety in college-level statistics classes. At the beginning of the course, students share their fears about statistics and receive a lecture on ways to cope with their anxieties. At the end of the course, students share feelings again and realize their increased mastery and attitude changes. (AM)

In higher education today, mathematics has been marginalized: except to a tiny elite, it is either taught as a tool required for the study of other sciences or it is entirely absent. Yet mathematics has been and is an essential ingredient in our understanding and mastery of the physical world, our economic life, our information technology and,…

The Suggestive Accelerative Learning and Teaching method uses music, group discussion, physical exercise, and relaxation techniques to reduce math anxiety in adult basic education students who want to enter vocational programs at Blackhawk Technical Institute (Wisconsin). (SK)

More than two-thirds of American adults fear and/or loathe mathematics. This book looks at why math has the dreadful reputation that it does and provides a chance to face math phobia and help others. This book delivers a positive message about what math can and should mean to all and how children can be kept from adopting the negative attitudes…

Discusses two interactive techniques for reducing student anxiety and increasing understanding of statistical concepts. Explains that in one method the students are the data when the class members complete one of two versions of an exercise. Describes the second method as one where students create the statistical application and data. (DK)

Students have different learning style strengths and preferences in the ways that they take in and process information. Some students tend to focus on facts, data, and algorithms; others are more comfortable with theories and mathematical models. Related to all of this and situated as the focus of this article is the fact that mathematics…

According to the National Center for Education Statistics' latest data on cross-national differences in math, science, and reading literacy among fourth- and eighth-graders and 15-year-olds, U.S. students rank close to the bottom in math. Just teaching more advanced subjects and forcing students to take more classes and do more homework, however,…

This article describes how to use and valuate "thought bubble pictures" to uncover students' feelings about mathematics. (Contains 6 figures and 2 tables.)

Math anxiety is an affliction that causes several intelligent students to believe, mistakenly, that they lack the ability to master the subject. Professors are starting to question their teaching tactics in hopes of tackling math anxiety, with some educators looking at ways to make their classes more interactive, while others are considering…

Math anxiety can begin as early as the fourth grade and peaks in middle school and high school. It can be caused by past classroom experiences, parental influences, and remembering poor past math performance. Math anxiety can cause students to avoid challenging math courses and may limit their career choices. It is important for teachers, parents…