Mathematics Anxiety Research Articles

Identification and validation of severity standards for the academic anxiety scale

The Academic Anxiety Scale (AAS; Cassady, 2022; Cassady et al., 2019) is a measure of the construct academic anxiety, which is a generalized representation of anxieties experienced by learners in educational settings. Academic anxiety has been identified as a preclinical indicator of anxiety that provides important predictive utility to clinical symptomologies such as anxiety and depression but also serves as a more inclusive representation than other commonly studied anxieties in academic contexts (e.g., test anxiety, reading anxiety, math anxiety). Latent Class Analyses were employed to identify severity levels for learners completing the AAS, which revealed four classes of learners characterized by levels of academic anxiety: Non-Anxious, Mild Academic Anxiety, Moderate Academic Anxiety, and High Academic Anxiety. Descriptions of the characteristics of the four classes of learners as well as the potential utility for using the AAS in a universal screening context are discussed.

The Relationship between Learning Styles and Math Anxiety among Secondary School Students

The Relationship between Learning Styles and Math Anxiety among Secondary School Students

The best pedagogical practices for teaching mathematics revisited: Using math manipulatives, children’s literature, and GeoGebra to produce math confident young people for a STEM world

Today math teachers can best reach their students and show them how math surrounds us by using manipulatives, children’s literature, and GeoGebra while teaching mathematics. These are some of the best pedagogical practices for teaching mathematics today. In our high-tech world, students need to be proficient in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. As endorsed by National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2000) and stressed in common core state standards in mathematics, it is important that we teach with technology, address dispositions and math anxiety, and make the math that young people are learning pertinent and meaningful. Frequently, it may be best to start teaching young people geometry first as opposed to numbers, which are considered more abstract and difficult to learn. Geometry is one of the most tangible divisions of math and concentrating on this first can help students’ whole view of mathematics and their insolences towards learning the subject. Nowadays teachers also need to be cognizant and checking for attitudes and dispositions toward learning mathematics, as math anxiety is an issue in today’s classrooms. This paper will revisit the best pedagogical practices for teaching math the review of the use of math manipulatives, children’s books, and GeoGebra to help teachers create mathematically confident young people.

Systematic literature review: Identification of students’ mathematical anxiety in mathematics learning

Mathematics anxiety can be found at all levels of education, from elementary school to college students. This study aims to conduct a literature review related to mathematics anxiety in mathematics learning. The research method chosen in this study is the Systematic Literature Review. Data collection was carried out by documenting all articles that had similar research in this research report. The articles used in this study were 98 articles published for the period 2014–2022. The research was conducted at all levels of education. Based on the research results, there were 98 relevant articles published in 2014-2022 regarding mathematics anxiety in mathematics learning. It was noted that articles related to mathematical abilities including soft skills and hard skills dominated the number of articles. The collected articles mostly focus on research at the junior high school level, and researchers tend to prefer using quantitative research methods in their research.

Mathematical Anxiety among Primary Education Degree Students in the Post-Pandemic Era: A Case Study

The study of the affective domain has grown in relevance ever since educators and researchers showed its influence in the process of teaching and learning, playing a fundamental role in the evolution of student learning. Anxiety is one component of the affective domain. The study of mathematical anxiety in pre-service primary teachers at university is the focus of this study. We analyse mathematical anxiety by examining specific data from the sample (age, gender, the subjects they studied in upper-secondary education, and academic performance). One hundred and nineteen students from the Primary Education degree completed the mathematical anxiety questionnaire, obtaining an average anxiety score considered negative (3.08 above the neutral value of 3). The results show a high anxiety toward examinations (3.68) and a negative relation with academic performance. Furthermore, the results show that women, 19-year-old university students, and those from a humanities-based upper-secondary education present greater levels of anxiety than men, older students, or students from other areas of upper-secondary education, respectively. All values of mathematical anxiety are higher than pre-pandemic levels. We can conclude from the studied sample that the students show low–medium global anxiety over mathematics, medium anxiety over problem solving, and high anxiety about exams.

A large-scale study on the prevalence of math anxiety in Qatar.

Math anxiety (MA) is a worldwide appearing academic anxiety that can affect student mental health and deter students from math and science-related career choices. Using the Arabic version of the Modified-Abbreviated Math Anxiety Scale (m-AMAS), the prevalence of MA was investigated in a very large sample of students (N = 10093) from grades 7 to 12 in Qatar. The results showed a better fit to the original two-factor model of the m-AMAS (learning MA and Evaluation MA) than to a single-factor solution. This two-factor model was also confirmed in each grade. Notably, the distribution of MA scores was right-skewed, especially for learning MA. Using the inter-quartiles ranges, norms for MA were provided: A score of ≤16 indicates low MA whereas a score of ≥30 identifies high MA. Previous studies conducted in Western countries defined high math-anxious students as those who score above the 90th percentile corresponding to a score of 30 on the m-AMAS. Using this cut-off criterion, the current study found that one-fifth of students in Qatar were highly math-anxious, with a higher proportion of females than males. We also calculated the percentage of participants selecting each response category for each questionnaire item. Results showed that attending a long math class was the context that elicited the highest levels of learning MA. In contrast, having an unexpected math test was the situation that triggered the highest levels of evaluation MA. The prevalence of MA might vary across different cultures.

Response monitoring in math-anxious individuals in an arithmetic task

We examine whether math anxiety is related to altered response monitoring in an arithmetic task. Response-locked event-related brain potentials (ERPs) were evaluated in 23 highly (HMA) and 23 low math-anxious (LMA) individuals while they performed an arithmetic verification task. We focused on two widely studied ERPs elicited during error processing: error-related negativity (ERN) and error positivity (Pe). Correct-related negativity (CRN), an ERP elicited after a correct response, was also studied. The expected ERN following errors was found, but groups did not differ in its amplitude. Importantly, LMA individuals showed less negative CRN and more positive Pe amplitudes than their more anxious peers, suggesting more certainty regarding response accuracy and better adaptive behavioral adjustment after committing errors in an arithmetic task in the LMA group. The worse control over response performance and less awareness of correct responses in the HMA group might reduce their ability to ‘learn from errors’.

Process over product: associations among math anxiety, feelings about math, and instructional beliefs in early childhood preservice teachers

Process over product: associations among math anxiety, feelings about math, and instructional beliefs in early childhood preservice teachers

Anxiety about Mathematics and Reading in Preadolescents Is Domain-Specific.

It was investigated whether test anxiety (TA), mathematics anxiety (MA), and reading anxiety (RA) can be traced back to some type of general academic anxiety or whether these are separable. A total of 776 fifth graders (Mage = 10.9 years) completed questionnaires on TA, MA, and RA, as well as a mathematics test. Also, mathematics and reading performance results from the National Tracking System were requested. The sample was randomly split into two halves. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that a three-factor model (factors: TA, MA, RA) had superior model fit compared with a one-factor model (factor: "Academic anxiety"), in both halves. The resulting anxiety factors were related to math performance measures using structural equation models. A scarcity of data on reading performance prevented the analysis of links between anxiety and reading performance. Anxiety-math performance relations were stronger for MA than for TA and MA. We concluded that TA, MA, and RA are separable constructs.

Students’ psychological variables connection with secondary school students’ academic performance in mathematics

PurposeThe study’s objective was to ascertain the connection between secondary school students' test anxiety, academic self-concept, motivation and academic performance in mathematics. The difference between the academic performances of male and female secondary school students who exhibit high and low test anxiety, academic self-concept and motivation levels in mathematics.Design/methodology/approachFour hypotheses and four research questions were adopted. The design is a correlation. 42,299 mathematics students in senior school year two (SS2) made up the research population. A sample of 1,650 students was selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure. The main instruments used were the Mathematics Test Anxiety Questionnaire (MTAQ), Academic Self-Concept Questionnaire (ASQ) and Academic Motivation Questionnaire (AMQ) and students’ math scores. These instruments were validated by three experts and the reliability coefficients of 0.69, 0.68 and 0.68 were obtained for MTAQ, ASQ and AMQ, respectively, using Cronbach alpha. Pearson product moment correlation was used to analyze the data.FindingsThe study’s results showed a correlation between secondary school students' academic performance in mathematics and test anxiety, academic self-concept and motivation. There was a significant difference between secondary school male and female students' test anxiety; there was a significant difference between secondary school male and female students' self-concept and academic performance in mathematics, and there was a significant difference between secondary school male and female students' motivation and academic performance in mathematics.Originality/valueThe major contribution of this study is to investigate the connection between test anxiety, academic self-concept motivation and students’ mathematics performance. There is a difference between psychological variables, gender and mathematics performance.

Unpacking the Connections Between Fractions and Algebra: The Importance of Fraction Schemes and Units Coordination

ABSTRACT Researchers from multiple disciplines have found that fractions and algebra knowledge are linked. One major strand of research has identified children’s units coordination structures as crucial for success with fractions and algebra via multiplicative reasoning, whereas a second strand of research points to magnitude knowledge as a central conceptual structure supporting fractions and algebra knowledge. In an online study with 59 eighth graders, we compared the associations of these two foundational factors with fractions and algebra knowledge by assessing students’ units coordination skills, magnitude knowledge, and several general cognitive skills alongside multiple aspects of fractions and algebra knowledge. In regression models controlling for math anxiety and general cognitive skills, units coordination and fraction schemes were better predictors of students’ algebra knowledge than were fraction magnitude or fraction arithmetic skills. We replicated findings from previous studies that showed units coordination and fraction schemes were closely related and showed for the first time that units coordination was significantly associated with fraction number line estimation and fraction arithmetic scores, even after accounting for general cognitive skills. We emphasize the need for interdisciplinary teams to continue investigating relations among these constructs to further our understanding and ultimately support student learning of fractions and algebra.

Exploring Factors Contributing to Indifference Towards Learning Mathematics Among Secondary School Students in Nepal

Abstract 
 
 Mathematics is a compulsory subject at the school level in Nepal, deemed essential for everyday life and higher studies, particularly in the fields of science and technology. However, there is a noticeable apathy among students when it comes to learning mathematics. This qualitative research aims to identify the factors that contribute to this indifference towards learning mathematics. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with four participants from both public and private schools, all enrolled in the tenth grade. Analysis and interpretation of the data revealed several factors that lead to this indifference. These factors can be classified as student-related, school-related, and home and society-related. Student-related factors include mathematics anxiety, negative perceptions, insufficient effort, poor academic achievements, limited real-world applications, low self-efficacy, and perpetuation of misconceptions about mathematics. School-related factors encompass teaching practices, teacher qualifications, traditional methods focused on rote learning, impractical curriculum and courses, inadequate school administration, and subpar physical facilities. Home and society-related factors have a negative effect on mathematics engagement, such as unfavorable home environments, low socioeconomic status, and parental education. Together, these factors contribute to the observed indifference towards learning mathematics.
 Keywords: Indifference, Qualitative, Mathematics, Factors, Home, Students, School

Pathways from cognitive flexibility to academic achievement: mediating roles of critical thinking disposition and mathematics anxiety

The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating roles of critical thinking disposition and mathematics anxiety between cognitive flexibility and academic achievement. A cross-sectional study was held to observe and compare path coefficients among latent and observed variables across 662 university students studying elementary mathematics education. In concur with grade point average scores, Cognitive Flexibility Scale, UF/EMI Critical Thinking Disposition Instrument and Math Anxiety-Apprehension Survey scores were utilized for structural equation modeling analyses. The results of this study indicated that freshman students experience the greatest impact from cognitive flexibility on academic achievement, while sophomores experience the least impact. Additionally, with the exception of the model for sophomore students, the mediating effects of the critical thinking disposition between cognitive flexibility and academic achievement were positive and statistically significant. Additionally, none of the models’ estimations of how mathematics anxiety would mediate between cognitive flexibility and academic achievement were statistically significant. Last but not least, for junior students only positive and statistically significant mediating effects of critical thinking disposition and mathematics anxiety between cognitive flexibility and academic achievement were found. This study put forth evidence to investigate cognitive flexibility, critical thinking disposition and math anxiety in higher education and to show the total, direct and mediating effects on academic achievement.

Pengaruh Kecemasan Matematika terhadap Minat Belajar Siswa Sekolah Dasar

This type of research is descriptive quantitative research which aims to determine whether or not there is an influence of mathematics anxiety on the interest in learning of elementary school students in Jambi City. With a population and research sample of students from elementary schools in Jambi City. The instrument used in this research is a non-test instrument in the form of a questionnaire consisting of a mathematics anxiety questionnaire and a student interest in learning questionnaire, totaling 10 questions from each questionnaire. The questionnaire is a closed direct questionnaire, which means alternative answers are available in the questionnaire, so respondents only need to choose one answer that suits their condition. The initial hypothesis of this research is "there is an influence of mathematics anxiety on students' interest in learning". Meanwhile, based on the research results, the results from the mathematics anxiety questionnaire were 63%, while the results from the interest in learning questionnaire were 67%. So it can be concluded that there is no influence of mathematics anxiety on students' interest in learning.

A moderated mediation analysis on the relationship between metacognition and mathematical resilience of gifted students

AbstractThis study examined the mediator role of mathematics motivation and the moderator role of mathematics anxiety (MA) in the relationship between metacognition (MC) and mathematical resilience (MR). The participants are 202 gifted students. Data were collected through the “Metacognitive Awareness Scale,” “MR Scale,” “Revised MA Rating Scale,” and “Mathematics Motivation Scale.” Regression analysis based on the bootstrap technique was used to test the hypothetical model, including mediation, moderation, and moderated mediation relations. The study results showed that MC indirectly positively affects MR through mathematical motivation. MA has a moderator effect on the positive effect of mathematics motivation on MR. The positive effect of mathematics motivation on MR decreases as MA increases. MA has a moderating effect on the indirect effect of MC on MR through mathematics motivation. The positive effect of MC on MR decreases as math anxiety increases.

Anxiety's Impact on Mathematics Ability in Tanzanian Secondary School Students: A Singida District Case Study

Professionals in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are in greater demand globally. Numerous governmental and commercial organizations have redesigned education and encouraged training to improve workers' and students' math and science proficiency in order to successfully meet this need. Programs for education and training usually aim to increase participants' understanding of math and science. Tanzania's consistently low math success has alarmed many, including the government, which has led them to investigate potential reasons for the poor performance. It is thought that students' experiences with mathematics anxiety have an impact on their mathematical achievement. This study looked into how secondary school students in Singida district's area performed academically in relation to math anxiety. The study's sample consisted of 1150 students who were selected from twelve secondary schools in the Singida area. To gather data, standardized questionnaires with closed-ended questions were distributed to participants. The study made use of the respondents' terminal exam results in mathematics. To examine the gathered data, both descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. Overall, the findings demonstrated a statistically significant ( 0.025-two tailed) impact of mathematics anxiety on students' academic performance in mathematics. A correlation coefficient, r=0.425 suggests a substantial, positive association or relationship between the impact of math anxiety and math performance. When all other factors are maintained constant, a regression analysis using the equation

Grounding understanding of the home numeracy environment: Within‐group variation in Latine families

AbstractThe home numeracy environment is an essential construct that helps explain children's numeracy skills. However, this field has been developed mostly focusing on monolingual English‐speaking families, and cultural differences that contextualize the home environment have not been considered. This study describes the home numeracy environment of Latine families by (1) identifying the more and less common numeracy activities in the home of Latine families; (2) exploring differences, such as family members involved in the activities and generation in the United States; and (3) examining the association between activities and math anxiety and beliefs. Participants were 341 caregiver‐child dyads (M age = 2.9 years, SD = 0.7 months). We found that the less common numeracy activities in the home of Latine families are items commonly used in the literature to measure numeracy home environment. In addition, the role of family members varies across generations. This study provides a foundation for understanding the home numeracy environment of Latine families.

Mathematics Anxiety’s Impact on Grade 11 General Mathematics Performance

This study investigates the relationship between math anxiety levels and the academic performance of Grade 11 students in General Mathematics. Utilizing a descriptive-correlational design, the research aims to delineate the profile of respondents concerning their math anxiety levels and academic performance. The sample comprised forty-nine Grade 11 students. The primary research instrument was Ellen Freedman’s standardized Self-Test for Math Anxiety. Findings indicate that the respondents exhibited moderate levels of math anxiety and their academic performance in General Mathematics was generally satisfactory. Notably, a significant relationship was found between math anxiety and the respondent's sex. Additionally, the study revealed a negative correlation between math anxiety and academic performance, indicating that higher levels of math anxiety are associated with poorer academic performance in General Mathematics, and conversely, lower levels of math anxiety correlate with better academic performance. The study concludes with recommendations for educational practice and suggestions for future research directions.

Use of Scaffolding Techniques in Mathematical Problem Solving in Students Who Have Mathematics Anxiety

Solving mathematical problems is important in mathematics. This research aims to determine the mathematical problem solving abilities of students who have moderate levels of mathematics anxiety by using scaffolding techniques. This type of research is qualitative with a case study approach. The research subjects were 3 class VIII students at a junior high school in Purworejo, Central Java. The research instruments used included problem-solving ability test questions, mathematics anxiety questionnaires, and interview guides. Data is analyzed by reducing data, presenting data, and drawing conclusions. The results of this study indicate that subjects who have mathematics anxiety are having difficulty determining mathematical models and have difficulty with mathematical calculations. The scaffolding technique provided is level 2 in explaining, reviewing, and restructuring. After getting the scaffolding technique, students with mathematics anxiety are able to solve mathematical problems.

Factors Influencing Mathematics Anxiety and Mathematics Performance: A Scoping Review towards Learning Optimization Directives

This scoping review determined the factors contributing to the mathematics anxiety and its effect on the mathematics performance among Filipino high school students. This aimed to describe the extent and nature of the literature on math anxiety and math performance, and to identify gaps to guide future directions in Math teaching and learning optimization in the Philippines. The keywords used to search existing evidence on Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Semantic Scholar, Crossref, and Web of Science databases were mathematics anxiety, mathematics performance, factors, high school, and Philippines. A review of 13 out of 950 published studies in indexed journals from 2014 to 2024, in the English language, were selected for this scoping review using the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. Of the 13 included studies, a number of studies were published between 2014-2019 (n=5, 38%) and 2020-2024 (n=8, 62%). There were 10 (77%) quantitative, 1 (8%) qualitative article, and 2 (15%) mixed methods, with sample sizes ranging from 8 to 379. It is concluded that there is an inverse relationship between Math anxiety and Math performance – the higher the math anxiety level, the poorer the math performance. Furthermore, there are multidimensional factors contributing to Math Anxiety and Performance including student factors, teacher factors, home environment and relationship, Learning environment, subject factors, cultural orientation, and Peer factor. Identifying the most common contributory factors is crucial in developing targeted interventions. An evidence-based dedicated learning optimization plan is needed to provide information that will guide the teachers for Math performance enhancements.