© 2011 Peter F. Ash, Ph.D.

Peter.Ash@MathForTheRestofUs.com

Overcoming Math Anxiety Curriculum

Cambridge Center for Adult Education February 23 – March 9, 2011

Three two-hour classes

1. Let's get personal

What brings you here? Why do you need to overcome math anxiety? When did your dislike
or fear of mathematics first develop? Start keeping a "math journal".

2. Everyone can learn math

Is there something in your brain that means you can't learn math? What is dyscalculia?
Overcoming handicaps.

3. Math phobia?
A serious fear of math may be a phobia, and may require treatment. A treatment you can do
yourself, called TAT (Tapas Acupressure Technique) can help you. Our special guest lecturer
shows you how.

4. One size doesn't fit all (even if your teacher thought it did)
Different people have different learning styles. If you know your preferred learning style you
can learn math better. Are you a quantitative or a qualitative learner? Learning through
different modalities: visual, aural, or tactile/kinesthetic.

5. Math myths
If you were taught with traditional methods, you probably learned that being good at math
required prodigious memory and the ability to regurgitate what the teacher told you. You
may believe that there is one way to solve a math problem, and that math must be done while
sitting still and keeping quiet. Wrong!

6. The new way to learn math

Modern reform mathematics suggests that math instruction be focused on solving interesting
complex problems which can be solved in different ways, that students work in groups and
communicate their ideas to one another, and that students learn to do mathematics with deep
understanding, not by rote.

7. A sound mind in a sound body

Research shows that regular aerobic exercise helps you to beat stress, improve memory, and
sharpen your thinking. Schedule your exercise before doing your math and watch what
happens.

8. Learning is not all in your head

Learning cannot be separated from movement. The fact that proper movement leads to
optimal learning underlies Brain Gym®, We'll practice basic Brain Gym exercises to help
reduce stress and make learning easier.
 © 2011 Peter F. Ash, Ph.D.
Peter.Ash@MathForTheRestofUs.com
9. The mind-body connection
Learn to reduce stress and improve focus with meditation-based techniques. Use Zen
meditation, yoga, TM, the relaxation response, or simple diaphragmatic breathing to reduce
stress and empty your mind of chatter so you can learn better.

10. Music hath charms…

Playing certain classical music in the background can help you energize and focus. I'll play
the CD and you'll hear if it helps.

11. Manipulate and understand

Learn what a mathematical manipulative is and how it helps visual and tactile/kinesthetic
learners understand math concepts. Experience the power of multiple representations in
math.

12. So, can I really do math?

Sure you can! You'll investigate a few math problems working in a group. Try out your new-
found math anxiety reduction skills and enjoy some interesting open-ended problems.

13. Help! I need to take a math class

How to tell if you have a good teacher. What to do if you don't. Important study skills.

14. "Teach your children well"

What you can do so your children learn to like math, not to fear it.

15. Where do you go from here?

I'm here to help. Send me an email if you'd like a bibliography on math anxiety and math
learning. Contact me if you are interested in math tutoring or math classes.