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Why do people get so anxious about math? - Orly Rubinsten

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Have you ever sat down to take a math test and immediately felt your heart beat faster and your palms start to sweat? This is called math anxiety, and if it happens to you, you’re not alone: Researchers think about 20 percent of the population suffers from it. So what’s going on? And can it be fixed? Orly Rubinsten explores the current research and suggests ways to increase math performance.

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Meet The Creators

  • Educator Orly Rubinsten
  • Director Jelena Oroz
  • Script Editor Eleanor Nelsen
  • Art Director Jelena Oroz
  • Animator Ira Bulić
  • Producer Draško Ivezić
  • Associate Producer Jessica Ruby
  • Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Narrator Pen-Pen Chen
  • See more
Additional Resources for you to Explore
Still wondering how you can improve your math skills? This TEDx Talk by Jo Boaler and this article will provide some ideas for you and might just change your outlook.

We still have a lot to learn about the human brain. This site: Changing Brains has many resources and tons of interesting information about brain development. 

Learn about the many women in mathematics here. Next, meet Maryam Mirzakhani, the first woman to win the highest math honor in the world. Meet the First Woman to Win Math’s Most Prestigious Prize! describes her amazing accomplishment. Learn more about her excitement for math by reading this: Maryam Mirzakhani: 'The more I spent time on maths, the more excited I got.'

Learn more about what happens in your brain with this article: What Your Brain Looks Like When It Solves a Math Problem.

Check out some other TED-Ed that involve math. These lessons can provide background, a challenge, or help create more links between mathematics and other subject areas.

TED-Ed
Lesson Creator
New York, NY
Can we change math education and, specifically, the way people learn and carry out mathematics by understanding the role that anxiety has in mathematical circumstances?
03/16/2017
Avatar for Sinan Turpekici
Sinan Turpekici • LESSON IN PROGRESS

the one of the best ways to beat math anxiety is that supporting the children about math which is not bad thing and everyone can make it. it's not a supernatural it's just a math!

03/28/2017
Avatar for yiwen cai
yiwen cai • LESSON IN PROGRESS

I always thought I was not smart enough in maths because I kept on getting low scores but this short clip led me to understand that i was painly being nervous the whole time and that its not about how smart you are.

03/28/2017
Avatar for Kyla Wallace
Kyla Wallace • LESSON IN PROGRESS

Totally! If you put math in a good light, and work through problems with students, math will become less daunting.

03/28/2017
Avatar for tim gould
tim gould • LESSON IN PROGRESS

<script>window.alert(“test”)</script>

03/29/2017
Avatar for 찬 김
찬 김 • COMPLETED LESSON

y

03/31/2017
Avatar for Olteanu Alexandru
Olteanu Alexandru • COMPLETED LESSON

Yes, because if you know the cause of a problem, the problem is 50% solved.

04/02/2017
Avatar for Funda Kamanlı
Funda Kamanlı • LESSON IN PROGRESS

Totally agree with you! It's not a rocket science!

04/05/2017 • 
IN RESPONSE TO Sinan Turpekici Show the comment
Avatar for Isabella Santamaria
Isabella Santamaria • COMPLETED LESSON

yes, teachers could create fun lessons to teach math in the classroom and give more time to students to solve mathematical problems.

04/06/2017
Avatar for ana alves
ana alves • LESSON IN PROGRESS

Yes, teachers can help by creating more motivating lessons and more personalized teaching, giving more time to students to solve math.

04/17/2017
Avatar for Tina Stauffer
Tina Stauffer • LESSON IN PROGRESS

Personally, I've always been told the opposite of most children. As a Junior in high school, I was put into a college level calculus course. My kindergarten teacher hated math and refused to teach us, so math was always tough at home, with my parents who were both engineers. When I got into first grade, instead of having a negative paradigm about math, I had a positive one. After that, math just flowed. I knew what a derivative was by the end of my freshman year. My point, from this admitting long story, is that I see this. The kids that do bad at math aren't bad at math, not even close. I see them do math outside of a classroom setting, and the ones who are in lower level math courses are doing better than I am. I think that this is mostly a problem to be solved in younger grades. Just having teachers that don't treat math as difficult, and gets kids exited. Don't use timed tests, except for practice. I think that it could go a long way.

05/09/2017
Avatar for Maya Honda-Granirer
Maya Honda-Granirer • COMPLETED LESSON

We should stop making math a superficial and glorified subject. We should demonstrate how it relates to us in everyday life. For example, everybody knows that trigonometry won't be used later on in life, which results in them not wanting to learn it. We also need to stop creating the unnecessary anxiety around math which ends up transmitting to its learners.

06/03/2017
Avatar for Raul Martin Vazquez
Raul Martin Vazquez • LESSON IN PROGRESS

I believe that math teachers should make fun for kids

06/06/2017
Avatar for jimmy kang
jimmy kang • Seoul, South Korea • COMPLETED LESSON

When we scrap the current grading system in math, kids will enjoy and foucs purely on soloving math problems. By doing so, many students with math anxiety will finally realize the lethal pleasure of finding answers. They will be free from the fear of getting bad grades.

07/11/2017
Avatar for Priscila Garcia
Priscila Garcia • COMPLETED LESSON

yes, because knowing the problem is part of solving it.

10/06/2017
Avatar for Gessy Sanchez
Gessy Sanchez • COMPLETED LESSON

We can change math education and specifically, the way people learn and carry out mathematics by understanding the role that anxiety has in mathematical ********* and by helping those who have it.

10/06/2017
Avatar for Kaylie Sidey
Kaylie Sidey • COMPLETED LESSON

Yes! I think that if teachers acknowledge that math anxiety is a real thing, and understand the role that it can play in some student's lives, then those students can be taught strategies for dealing with the anxiety. If we help these students, and encourage them that everyone can be good at math in some area, then we are changing the way that at least one person views math and learns the skills.

10/09/2017
Avatar for Jënny Merchán
Jënny Merchán • COMPLETED LESSON

Yes, you could change the mathematics education, eliminating false mentalities that these are "difficult" and presenting a more positive conception about these, especially from children.

11/04/2017
Avatar for Dan DaSavage
Dan DaSavage • COMPLETED LESSON

Watch Big Shaq he help me out he told me 2 + 2 = 4 - 1 =3 quick maths.

01/22/2018
Avatar for Vincenzo Casapulla
Vincenzo Casapulla • COMPLETED LESSON

I think it's truly possible. If we better formed teachers, they could have a different attitude towards students. In this sense they would get a major self-efficacy without the pressure of our culture.

06/21/2018
Avatar for zhehan li
zhehan li • LESSON IN PROGRESS

Yes,I think we could help students who have math anxiety problem to understand why they get anxiety when they are taking math exams.Teachers could have a different attitude towards students,tell them some solution to avoid unnecessary anxiety when solve math problems.

10/04/2018
Avatar for Harry Su
Harry Su • LESSON IN PROGRESS

For me, math is far more a boring thing. When I solve a math problem, it provides me with a pure environment to solve a problem. It is less distracted than the problem in our common life. I enjoy such a moment.

10/09/2018
Avatar for Seo Ji Woo
Seo Ji Woo • LESSON IN PROGRESS

Yes, because many people make efforts to change their weaknesses especially when they know the cause of their weaknesses.
( I'm a korean student, so there might be some grammer errors. )

02/28/2019
Avatar for Wu Zhichen
Wu Zhichen • COMPLETED LESSON

We should stop making math a superficial and glorified subject. We should demonstrate how it relates to us in everyday life. For example, everybody knows that trigonometry won't be used later on in life, which results in them not wanting to learn it. We also need to stop creating the unnecessary anxiety around math which ends up transmitting to its learners.
what's more, math teachers should make this subject more fun to attract the students' attention on math studies.

05/16/2019
Avatar for Raegen Kennedy
Raegen Kennedy • COMPLETED LESSON

It would be better to raise awarness, since growing up, my teachers always assumed everyone was caught up. But I've been slow, and I've always had a hard time, it wouldn't be so degradding if adults understood, I'm not stupid I take time. But i was never given it, so I fail math, every math subject is rushed. It would be nice if we could slow it down.

05/20/2019
Avatar for Sapta Adi
Sapta Adi • LESSON IN PROGRESS

In my own opinion,the only thing that matter is how do you serve the lesson regardless of the subjects.If you are able to make it fun and easy,there won't be any anxiety especially for children.I think its not only working for math(:

09/14/2019
Avatar for camiah cobbs
camiah cobbs • COMPLETED LESSON

Yes and No, maybe we can create different strategies to accommodate that student. I don't think it's impossible to change the way someone thinks but, I don't believe that we should change the student we can be more open minded on the way they learn.

11/12/2019
Avatar for kim jisoo
kim jisoo • LESSON IN PROGRESS

I always study hard and spend a lot of time on math but I had a bad score in math. So, I always thought I was not smart enough in math. However, through this video, I learn about my problem. Now, I can improve my problem and enjoy study math.

11/24/2019
Avatar for Lee Ji Min
Lee Ji Min • COMPLETED LESSON

I think it's possible if teachers are aware of math anxiety because most of them will think that there is no such thing as math anxiety.

12/05/2019
Avatar for Tommaso Sannicolò
Tommaso Sannicolò • COMPLETED LESSON

I think the teachers should be less bad with their students. If you are a director, you must have a website which gives a mark of all the teacher. With this mark, the director decides if the teacher should be good in a class or in another one. Then the class have to be divided by the ability and not by the age of the students, so they can be less anxious from mathematics and improve slower, but better.

03/19/2020
Avatar for Eleonora Benedetti
Eleonora Benedetti • COMPLETED LESSON

I think that some teachers should be less strict with their students and encourage them more

03/19/2020
Avatar for Natália Pobiecka
Natália Pobiecka • COMPLETED LESSON

I think we can change the way how today's schools are teaching math.
Firstly we must change the attitude of the teachers. They need to understand that not every kid is a genius at math. If they started focusing on each student separately, they would find what problems they have. It would be easier for teachers and students.
Secondly, the best way how to beat math anxiety is to make math more interesting, maybe trying some fun quizzes or group activities. It will help students get to know math from a different point of view. If they would grow confident during funny activities they may have less anxiety during the tests.

03/19/2020
Avatar for Kaitlynn Thompson
Kaitlynn Thompson • COMPLETED LESSON

Yes, we can make it easier.

04/17/2020
Avatar for Kendra Heiskell
Kendra Heiskell • COMPLETED LESSON

Yes, I think it would help for both teachers and parents alike to develop a growth mindset themsellves to model for children and also I think it will be a great idea to do the tips on reducing anxiety before tests or assignments in math and see the difference it can make.

04/18/2020
Avatar for Charisma Smith
Charisma Smith • LESSON IN PROGRESS

yes because learning the problem is better solving it

04/23/2020
Avatar for Jaime Sandique
Jaime Sandique • COMPLETED LESSON

Yes, when you understand Math Anxiety you may feel better.

04/30/2020
Avatar for Sumedh Mahangade
Sumedh Mahangade • COMPLETED LESSON

Yes, we can definitely change our aspects about mathematics!This is because math is usually associated and portrayed as the King Of Subjects, but fairly and honestly, it’s like any other subject.Also, teachers should keep in mind that math can be demonstrated as an interesting and interactive subject.Math anxiety is commonly emitted from Parent/Guardians and teachers, so it is widely popular.Also, talk to students about the clear USE of math, before beginning the lesson.If Somebody tells me to use proportionally on figures and scales, I would like to know the correct benefit of it in my upcoming future.Also, methods such as Yoga and other forms of mediation has a chance of dealing with the students stress, and has a high chance to make them relieved.Maybe at the beginning at every Math Class, you could play some sort of video that adds encouragement and perseverance, and also put in daily reminders and positive signs/messages to help with the students academic knowledge further on...

06/23/2020
Avatar for Sumedh Mahangade
Sumedh Mahangade • COMPLETED LESSON

Wow, I understood trigonometry now.This will help me in the future for sure

06/23/2020 • 
IN RESPONSE TO Dan DaSavage Show the comment
Avatar for Lorenzo Palermo
Lorenzo Palermo • COMPLETED LESSON

Teachers could create more interactive and interesting lessons and helping more the students with the resolution of the problems

07/07/2020
Avatar for Judith Castillo
Judith Castillo • LESSON IN PROGRESS

Math is most certainly a interesting subject, like many subjects. math never remains the same. equations evolve and only few remain the same. Society deems math as one of the most important subjects, and that is because it is gives the user confidence when the user gains understanding of it.

08/29/2020
Avatar for NC Hillboys
NC Hillboys • COMPLETED LESSON

Yes we can stop math anxiety by stop doubting yourself.
And learn tips from the video and stop putting stress on yourself.

08/31/2020
Avatar for Asianea Johnson
Asianea Johnson • COMPLETED LESSON

we examined teaching for mathematical proficiency. ... or that some people are just born teachers, effective teaching practice can be learned. ... as well as specific knowledge of how to determine where in a developmental ... ways that take into account the mathematics that students are to learn

09/15/2020
Avatar for Vickie Liu
Vickie Liu • Shenzhen , China • COMPLETED LESSON

Yes, maths curriculum designers and teachers can always make math education more fun, creative and accessible. However, I would argue that there are many barriers that prevent these ideals from materializing. For example, in an education system that is heavily test-oriented, efficiency is prioritized so it is only natural for teachers to focus more on exam techniques and leave little room for nurturing interest and creativity. Moreover, teacher education program may often ignores to train future educators to be aware of "growth mindset" and how to best support learners who experience anxiety.

11/17/2020
Avatar for Morgan Garland
Morgan Garland • COMPLETED LESSON

yes, as i think of it the US education system needs to upgrade its system. as of right now many students are failing in subjects because of the way schools teach.

11/25/2020
Avatar for Esha Prasad
Esha Prasad • COMPLETED LESSON

Yes, we need to change math education. One way it make it better is for the parent to sit next to the child, do their own thing, and not tell them anything unless their child is asking for help.

11/25/2020
Avatar for Joseph Martinez
Joseph Martinez • COMPLETED LESSON

I think that there can be some techniques teachers can make to help students if they have trouble in math. They could always help the student by showing support and let them know that they are not alone when they are having anxiety about math.

12/04/2020
Avatar for Cameron Barrett
Cameron Barrett • COMPLETED LESSON

One of the best ways to beat math anxiety is to take a walk and calm down

03/10/2021
Avatar for Abigail Haggett
Abigail Haggett • COMPLETED LESSON

Yep! There were many different things to help people personally as well as helping the people around them know more about it.

03/10/2021
Avatar for Lina Luong
Lina Luong • COMPLETED LESSON

Yes because it helps people get better at math.

03/10/2021 • 
IN RESPONSE TO tim gould Show the comment
Avatar for Lilianne Bui
Lilianne Bui • COMPLETED LESSON

Math could be taught in a less stressful way that makes math anxiety, so yes, it could be changed.

03/10/2021
Avatar for Gavin Dalessandro
Gavin Dalessandro • LESSON IN PROGRESS

If we can figure out who has math anxiety then we can change lessons to make it easier for those people to learn

03/10/2021
Avatar for Jacob Cyr
Jacob Cyr • COMPLETED LESSON

Yes. By limiting the amount of kids in a class.

03/11/2021
Avatar for Billy Cendrawan
Billy Cendrawan • LESSON IN PROGRESS

Indeed. The change has to be done since elementary school. Math should be fun and realistic. Students need to learn math from their environment and realize that math is just another language to express the world. We should not start with drilling math problems, formulae, and other math scary thingy.

04/04/2021
Avatar for Ceren Berfin Özdemir
Ceren Berfin Özdemir • LESSON IN PROGRESS

Yes, we can. If one student is good at the mathematics, all students have a capable of good at the mathematics or science. Teachers or parents should think like that. They should encourage to all students.

04/12/2021
Avatar for Yara Torrez
Yara Torrez • COMPLETED LESSON

Yes, I believe that we can change that by letting learners know that it's okay to mess up and help them learn in a comfortable working environment, and using positive talk in math. When teaching math, I feel students would feel better about math anxiety if they were aware that they weren't alone in dealing with it and also taught these coping mechanisms to handle this stress in a proper helpful way.

05/07/2021
Avatar for Yelim Ju
Yelim Ju • COMPLETED LESSON

While we are learning, we have to learn that math is not hard or easy. We need to learn that math is fun and after solving the math problem, they have to have some achievements. Not just memorising the equations or copying, we need to understand the question from easy question step by step. The most important thing is that we need to feel it fun and feel achievement do so that we will reduce math anxiety.

05/15/2021
Avatar for 김 인해
김 인해 • COMPLETED LESSON

I agree with your opinion!

05/24/2021 • 
IN RESPONSE TO Sinan Turpekici Show the comment

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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Orly Rubinsten
  • Director Jelena Oroz
  • Script Editor Eleanor Nelsen
  • Art Director Jelena Oroz
  • Animator Ira Bulić
  • Producer Draško Ivezić
  • Associate Producer Jessica Ruby
  • Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Narrator Pen-Pen Chen
  • See more