Thinking Freely Volume 1 Issue 6

Arithmetic - Formula for Mathematics Breakthrough:

3/5 Math + 2/5 Psychology

For many adults who struggle with mathematics, the challenge isn’t just about math.  The challenge lies with breaking down self-perceived learning barriers.  These must be addressed in order to achieve learning breakthrough. When teaching persons with math phobia, it is very important to use psychology.  The goal is to shift their attitude about mathematics. 

So how do you change the attitude of someone who dislikes math or is math phobic?

Approach the topic in such a way that they do not associate the content with a typical mathematics class.   Once you get them involved, you have to lead them to success very early in the game.  The success has to be real success, not Mickey Mouse stuff.  They must recognize that they have solved a problem for which they had no clue before.  After they have had a chance to bask in their newfound ability, they must have an opportunity to repeat that success.  This mitigates the assumption that their first success was just a fluke. 

Math phobic individuals tend to experience apprehension and very short attention spans when it comes to mathematics.    Your task is to organize the learning so that you stimulate and hold their interest.  Therefore, you must give them the opportunity to recognize that they can be successful in many different situations.  Then you must lead them in a logical fashion so that they can't help but succeed.   When they see the logic in what is being done and realize that they understand it well enough to do it on their own, they will begin to let their guard down.   

♦      Constantly pique their interest

♦      Lead them logically to success

♦      Encourage them to solve problems that they recognize as difficult

♦      Help them to have many successes