STEM Based Learning to Overcome Math Anxiety

Abstract

Quality learning can be interpreted as learning that achieves learning goals through an effective, efficient, interesting and fun learning process. Low-quality learning is unpleasant learning so that the learning objectives are not optimally achieved. Math anxiety impacts students as early as the first grade by affecting their working memory. Working memory is like a ‘mental scratchpad’. This study is qualitative research that aims to determine the level of decreasing of mathematics anxiety (MA) in students’ perspective at Elementary School level in Bukittinggi after they have learned with STEM-Based Learning. The subject of this study is 58 elementary school students. This research uses a qualitative descriptive method. The data collected by observation and using a MA Scale. The results showed that after applying STEM-Based Learning, the most decreased in students mathematical anxiety were anxiety about mathematical tests and anxiety about numerical calculations.