- Year 2024
- NSF Award #4
- Registration Noyce Scholar/Teaching Fellow/Master Teacher
- Role Current Noyce Scholar
- First Name Taylor
- Last Name Paquette
- Discipline Mathematics
- Institution Virginia Wesleyan University
Abstract
Math anxiety can be defined as, “an anxiety that interferes with manipulation of numbers and the solving of mathematical problems in a wide variety of ordinary life and academic situations” (Richardson & Suinn, 1972, p.551). It can impact people’s performance in (Barrett, 2013) and perceptions of math (Ashcraft, 2002) no matter their age and ability. Understanding this, it is important for math teachers to understand math anxiety and how to mitigate its negative impacts on their students. The purpose of this project was to create lesson plans on math anxiety that allow students and educators to become more familiar with math anxiety and coping methods, teaching tools, and strategies that may decrease math anxiety.This project included the development of original lesson plans, constructed from previous research on math anxiety, to include activities that assist teachers and students in decreasing math anxiety in their classroom and in themselves. Participants were guided through interactive activities, including case studies and interactive technology, to better understand math anxiety in general and successfully help their students and themselves navigate math anxiety. We believe that this lesson and lessons like this may improve the math performance and math-related perceptions of both educators and students.
Focus
Developing self-identity, Managing high-need classrooms/building trust for all students
