Students not alone in math fear, South instructor says

A South Campus workshop offered students an opportunity to express their feelings about the struggles they face when dealing with math.

Math instructor Maggie Foster presented the Math Anxiety workshop Sept. 22 using a PowerPoint presentation prepared by her math colleagues. The workshop came about because of the stress students express when taking math courses. Anxiety has many factors, Foster said.

“Some students feel anxious because of a previous bad experience with math,” she said. “Some are anxious because they have been out of school for a long time and their math skills are weak and some because math has always been a struggle for them. And math is the only thing keeping them from getting their degree.”

The workshop began with students introducing themselves and telling what math class they are currently enrolled in. Foster then gave tips on how to reduce anxiety, take notes, study better and do homework.

“Math is extremely picky and unforgiving,” she said.

Jasmine Tuya of the South academic success center offered advice for struggling students.

“You can take your homework to the math lab, and they can look over it for you and help you in the problem areas,” she said.

Foster told the full room of students that they are not alone in their math anxieties.

“I believe this is a very common struggle for lots of college students, not just TCC students, but students all around the nation,” she said.

— Alma Sosa