We know mathematics can be daunting for many students, but it doesn’t have to be a barrier, it can be mastered with the right mindset, strategies, and support system.
Ana Sinicariello,Math and SAT/ACT Tutor at Learner, shared six effective strategies to help students overcome math obstacles, reduce anxiety, and confidently prepare for advanced STEM courses.
How Changing Your Mindset Can Transform Your Approach to Math
Math anxiety is a common barrier that affects many students, causing feelings of tension and fear when faced with math tasks. A recent study published on ScienceDirect reveals that students with high math anxiety are more likely to avoid tackling problems and less likely to seek help, which can hinder their learning and contribute to a cycle of poor performance According to research published on PubMedCentral, one suggested explanation for the negative relationship between MA and mathematics performance is that the working memory (WM) capacity needed for mathematical problem solving is occupied by worrying thoughts, math anxiety can significantly impair working memory, making it harder for students to process and solve problems effectively. Overcoming this anxiety is crucial, as it not only hinders academic performance but also discourages students from pursuing advanced STEM courses.
According to Mary Ann Lazar, Director of Philanthropy – Scholarship Institute: The key is confidence, once students feel empowered in math, doors open to advanced courses, university programs, and career paths they may have once thought were out of reach.
Building Confidence with Positive Reinforcement
- Action-oriented goals: Rather than focusing only on test results, students can benefit from setting action-oriented goals.
For example, instead of saying, “I need to get an A on the next exam,” try:
- “I’ll practice five problems until I get four right.”
These kinds of goals shift focus to what can be controlled, consistent practice and persistence, helping students feel empowered and less stressed.
- Positive Mindset: Use positive affirmations before quizzes and exams:
- Remind yourself of past progress.
- Recognize the effort you’ve put into studying.
- Approach each test with the belief that you can succeed.
This mindset shift conditions the brain for success, improving both performance and long-term confidence.
- Group study sessions: Memorization isn’t always the best path to success. For many students, explaining a concept out loud helps solidify understanding.
Group study sessions can be especially useful:
- Each student picks a problem.
- Explains it step-by-step to the group.
- Gets feedback and corrections.
By teaching others, students reinforce their own learning and uncover weak points more effectively.
4) Returning to basics: Struggles in higher-level math often come from gaps in foundational skills rather than the complexity of new material. Returning to basics—fractions, algebra, order of operations—can make advanced topics far more manageable.
Students should look for patterns in mistakes:
- Are you mixing up signs (+/–)?
- Skipping steps in problem-solving?
- Mismanaging fractions or exponents?
Isolating these patterns and reinforcing fundamentals lays the groundwork for long-term success.
5) Active problem-solving: Take notes and rework incorrect problems step-by-step, identify where you went wrong, and repeat until mastery. Condense key formulas and definitions into a single sheet for quick, stress-free review.
Focus on the specific part of a problem that causes errors before tackling the entire equation again.
6) Personalized Tutoring : Sometimes, strategies alone aren’t enough. That’s where a personalized tutor can make a difference. Tutors provide:
- Customized study plans
- Actionable learning goals
- One-on-one guidance to build confidence
Working with a tutor can help students turn weaknesses into strengths, creating a clear path to math success
These tips can be really helpful for parents supporting their children, as well as for students who want active guidance. Math doesn’t have to be a source of stress, these strategies can ease worries and even provide some migraine relief from the frustration and anxiety that often come with tackling math challenges.
