Why overcoming the fear of numbers is a must
Lack of effective teaching methodologies can create a negative perception towards maths causing a long-term fear
Numbers were discovered with one fundamental logic – to give reason and find solution to everyday problems in the world around us. Numbers are transversal and appear everywherefrom numerical tables and number plates on vehicles to page numbers on books, and in counting light year duration between planets. Did you know what the largest number in the world is? It’s Googolplex or as it is written in exponential format 1010^100. While this is intriguing, some people might be far from intrigued. Instead, they feel a sense of anxiety or what we refer to as Numerophobia.
Now, mix numbers with maths and you will find many people uncomfortable with the subject. Numbers are a significant part of a child’s mathematical curriculum. The journey between studying how two-digit numbers get multiplied to solving complex geometric equations can sometimes take a fearsome turn. Thus, resulting in the fear of numbers in children and eventually in adults. Millions of people suffer from Numerophobia which naturally leads to Arithmophobia or fear of maths. Students become fearful of gaining any kind of maths knowledge due to this number-based phobia. Our survey with Nielsen highlighted that 82% of the students across Grade 7-10 were fearful of Maths. Further, only 2 in 10 students were confident about their maths ability; this is supported by the drop in persistence to solve maths problems by nearly 14 percentage points (from 23% in grade 7 to 9% in grade 10).
How does fear of numbers evolve and why it is important to overcome it?
According to mental health specialists, the fear of numbers cultivates when you become over conscious of number systems. Some reasons that result in this fear include:
As the learning systems evolved, the focus of learning maths went from “why” to “what”. This includes practices such as solving numerical calculations, studying patterns and data, and byhearting formulas. Lack of proper ways to help children understand the applications of maths in the real-world results in them losing sight of the subject. For them numbers become chaotic and difficult to understand.
Another reason behind Numerophobia can lie in negative experiences one has had with the subject. For example, failing to perform in a maths test or difficulty remembering a certain table or a basic formula.
Sometimes, parents can also contribute to generating this fear in children. Unknowingly they can instil this fear by cultivating a narrative about how hard the subject is or how hard the child must study to score well. Lack of effective teaching methodologies can also create a negative perception towards maths.
Low performance in maths could further trigger the fear of numbers. Students become overwhelmed by something as simple as any everyday calculation. Mathematics finds its way in most of the occupations today. It is fundamental to leveraging future careers in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data sciences, cryptocurrency, and many other technical professions. This fear can become a roadblock to future growth in both personal and professional lives. More so the reason to overcome the fear by promoting healthy active learning.
What are the ways to overcome fear of numbers?
You can look at the fear of numbers like any other form of phobia and treat it with something called the EFT – Emotional Freedom Technique. It is basically an acupuncture therapy which involves tapping a specific nerve to stimulate pathways of energy flow to part of your body responsible for generating anxiety.
Neuro linguistic programming is another scientific method used to reduce anxiety and stress. But there are more ways to support children and assist them to overcome this fear. And, if you look at the larger picture, these small steps really matter. Let’s look at understanding some of these methods: Encourage students by creating a positive outlook for maths – The beauty of maths is that it is universal. When children see exciting real-world examples, they learn that maths is much more than abstract concepts and rote learning, making them grow curious instead of fearing it.
Exploring instructional materials in teaching – Because every child has a different pace of learning and way of grasping, it is important to provide them with additional resources. Using online learning tools and multimodal content, you can help children build confidence in maths. Also, another effective teaching methodology is to make maths a dialogue instead of simply telling the answers. With engaging questions and exciting cues, students will discover answers on their own.
Building conceptual clarity
Cumulative concepts and thorough understanding can make it easier for children to be comfortable with numbers and maths. Instead of rote memorization of dry facts and formulas, try to understand the why’s of math. Using visual cues and showing them how these concepts work will make a big difference in their progress.
Practicing maths daily
Create a supportive environment for learning maths and promote conceptual understanding by regular practice. Instead of passive observation, kids actively learn by doing, supported by positive reinforcement and confidence building.
Self-help strategies and therapy can be helpful in treating number and maths phobia. Fear of numbers and maths anxiety is a real problem, and the first step is to acknowledge it. Educators and parents especially need to understand the causes and effects of the phobia.
The only winning way is to adopt positive changes for children to develop a positive attitude towards maths. We need innovative teaching models that promote intuitive and effective learning to improve mathematical thinking and create a solid foundation for the problem solvers of tomorrow!
FAILING TO PERFORM IN A MATHS TEST OR DIFFICULTY REMEMBERING A CERTAIN TABLE CAN CAUSE A SENSE OF FEAR