Mathematics anxiety is causing children as young as six to experience negative emotions such as fear, rage and despair and can lead to physical symptoms and behaviour issues in class, according to recent research. The study shows that both primary and secondary school students can become trapped in a cycle of despair, experiencing anxiety that impedes maths performance, which leads to increased anxiety. The report warns that the condition should be taken seriously as it impairs children’s learning, and could be contributing to a nationwide maths crisis in the UK where the level of adult numeracy is getting worse.
The Cambridge University study involved interviewing 2,700 primary and secondary school students in the UK and Italy as well as exploring the causes of maths anxiety. Researchers found that young children can react emotionally to maths, leading to them becoming tearful, upset, frustrated or unwell. Physical symptoms can include butterflies, a racing heart or breathing difficulties. Key triggers for anxiety were found to be low marks, test pressures, teasing by fellow pupils and a confusing mixture of teaching methods. National Sats tests taken in the final year of primary school were a cause of anxiety for some students, while the transition to secondary school was challenging for others. The study revealed a general sense that maths was harder than other subjects, which led to a loss of confidence, yet researchers point out that most children with high levels of maths anxiety are normal to high achievers in the subject.
Researchers urge parents and teachers to tackle their own maths anxiety as this can negatively influence children. They also warn policymakers that emotional blocks can limit learning potential, and urge the need for a greater understanding of maths anxiety if the crisis is to be addressed. The Nuffield Foundation report, Understanding Mathematics Anxiety, reveals the proportion of adults with functional maths skills equivalent to a GCSE grade C has dropped from 26% in 2003 to 22% in 2011, whilst functional literacy levels are rising with 57% of working-age adults achieving an equivalent level.