COPING WITH LEARNERS’ ANXIETY IN THE LEARNING PROCESS RANIEL L. SANTOS

Mathematics is one of the core learning areas taught in school. It considers as the most tough subjects among Filipino learners. This major subject primarily deals with numbers that includes calculations and computations. It involves the four operations as well as understanding the concepts of numbers. The Curriculum in Mathematics aims every learner to develop a positive behavior towards Math instructions and to appreciate its practical applications in daily life. On the other hand, many learners suffer from mediocre performance in Mathematics today. This brings tension to their daily performance in the teaching-learning scenario inside the classroom setting. It has negative impacts because it brings little confidence to them. Other causes may include time pressure and bad math experiences which affect their learning abilities. Learning this subject requires computation and calculation skills. Problem-solving becomes a concern issue among learners. They have a challenging time understanding and answering problem-solving questions with hidden formulas. It also deals with the factors such as lack of interest, lack of qualified teachers, improper and congested math curricula and school environment that contributes to the poor achievement of learners in Mathematics. According to Ghetti, she stated that the best techniques to mitigate anxiety in the classroom is preventative.” It means that the short conversations help students feel better to cope with these emotions. However, learners today can reduce math anxiety by proper scheduling and willingness to have quality study and time effort. Research shows that collaborative and peer learning helps students to work as a group that increases confidence and lessens anxiety in learning mathematics. In addition, when mathematics is inculcated in the heart and mind of every learner, good numeracy skills will give them chances to love math. Learners too become more advanced and challenged to face the daily mathematical problems in life and academic situations. The main key to surpass the anxiety is to practice mathematics daily. Having positive attitude sets high expectations in learning math. Teachers’ strategy in teaching should be utilized to encourage them to learn and embrace Mathematics. Expose the children to different activities that will hone their knowledge and skills in arithmetic. Gaining knowledge in Mathematics helps our life to have better choices and makes our life simpler. Indeed, it helps one to become wise as well as develop one’s reasoning, analytical and logical thinking. These skills are highly beneficial to learners that encourages mental rigor and discipline which lead to life skills.-oOoThe author is Teacher III of Tacasan Elementary School, Macabebe East District