“Conquering Math Anxiety: Strategies to Overcome Math-o-Phobia”

“What the mind can conceive and believe, and the heart desires, you can achieve.”

― Norman Vincent Peale

Did you ever feel butterflies in your stomach before your math exam? Do you still get confused while solving math problems? Do you think math is not your cup of tea? If so, then I have something to share with you.

As a teacher at one of the best international schools, I strongly believe that no subject is easy or hard; it is all about aspirations. If you want to achieve it, no one can stop you. Here are some key points that can help you overcome mathophobia:

1. Be positive: We become what we think about–it’s absolutely true. If math has been your weak subject, then at some point in time you must have said that you fear math. Rather, if you had tried it in a positive way, the story would have been different. Just remember, the one who falls and gets up is stronger than the one who never tried. Henceforth, be optimistic and try again.

2. Self-trust: Osho once said, “The only thing that matters in life is your own opinion about yourself.” For example, even if you fail to achieve your target, don’t lose hope; instead, ask yourself to keep trying. If a tortoise can win a race, why can’t you?

3. Compare yourself: Sounds awkward, right? Compare yourself to yourself, not to others. Compare your efforts today to those you made yesterday. Make sure whatever time you are spending on the subject is increasing each day. In addition to that, remember not to look at others. There is no comparison between the sun and the moon; they both shine when it’s their time.

4. Practice: Practice and exposure to new challenges involve understanding how all the pieces of an entire concept fit together. The knowledge gained through practice applies to new learning situations. This way, learning stays with students for life. Practice brings active, constructive, and long-lasting learning.

5. Reflect: APJ Abdul Kalam once said, “Don’t fear for facing failure in the first attempt, because even the successful maths starts with “zero” only”. No one is immune to making mistakes – we are human, after all! “Making a mistake” is not the same thing as “failing” so when you make a mistake, reflect on it and fix it.

6. Repeat: Repetition is important and essential in the learning process. Repeating all above-mentioned steps will for sure help you to improve your interest in the subject.

Being one of the best International Schools in Mohali, we believe in bringing the best out of a child through our personalised teaching methods.

Happy learning!

Monika Ramneek

Mathematics Facilitator

(Oakridge International School, Mohali)