Explores the phenomenon of math anxiety in a group of elementary school students by observing and conducting a survey to identify where students fit into the continuum of mathematics confidence. Discusses strategies to reduce math anxiety. (ASK)

Finds that computer and mathematics avoidance among women is the result of attitudes, expectations, and discrimination. Present-day creative computing relies upon skills not limited to those with a math and science orientation, and should prove a rewarding occupation to women. (DM)

The range of problems associated with learned helplessness in mathematics is introduced through three hypothetical case studies. Then the basic theory of, the evidence for, and variables affecting learned helplessness are described. Issues of cure and prevention are discussed, and some suggestions are offered for teachers. (MNS)

Provides a review of the literature related to math anxiety, indicating that society needs to eradicate the myth that females are more anxious about mathematics than males. Several options for eliminating math avoidance and math anxiety are considered. (JN)

Math anxiety affects both sexes, and is not the cause of imbalance in mathematical professions. Attempts to broaden perceptions of mathematics deal only with the symptoms of math anxiety. The principal cause is the methodology used to teach mathematics. Problem-solving processes must be employed. (MNS)

This study investigated the relationship between mathematical performance and mathematics self-efficacy, attitudes toward mathematics, and the choice of mathematics-related majors by college women and men. Performance and self-efficacy correlate positively with attitudes, masculine sex-role orientation, and a mathematics-related major. (Author/DC)

Described in this guide are the techniques used in a mathematics anxiety treatment project. All eighth- and tenth-grade students in two junior high schools and two high schools in a large urban school district were evaluated to determine their "math-anxiety" and "math-achievement" levels. Forty-five junior high and 45 high school girls were…

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…

This study explored the relationship between students' high school mathematics courses and grades; the affective variables--mathematics anxiety, effectance motivation, and attitude toward success; and performance in the first quarter developmental studies algebra course. The study reports significant differences between males and females on…

Summarizes several findings from review studies conducted on students' attitudes to mathematics. Suggests the methods to improve students' attitudes. Lists 26 references. (YP)

Integrates research on mathematics anxiety, regarding its nature, effects, and relief by using meta-analysis. Concludes that mathematics anxiety depresses performance and that mathematics and test anxieties both relate to general anxiety. Discusses the sex difference of the anxiety and its effects on achievement. (Author/YP)

This publication contains seven papers by the staff of the University of Exeter School of Education and by invited outside contributors. The focus is on issues that consider the social context of mathematics. The papers are: (1) "Images of Mathematics" (Leone Burton); (2) "Of Course You Could be an Engineer, Dear, but Wouldn't You…

Alaska's sex equity law requires school districts to establish written procedures for: (1) the biennial training of certificated personnel in the recognition of sex bias in instructional materials and in instructional techniques which may be used to overcome the effects of sex bias; (2) the biennial training of guidance and counseling staff in the…

This unit, one of six which comprise the Fair Play program, teaches students to use data analysis skills to examine sex differences in career choices, mathematics attitudes, and treatment in the labor force. The Fair Play program is a series of student and teacher materials the purpose of which is to help students expand their female or male…