Pfind a sense of aversion to numbers and problem solving? In some cases it may be matophobiaa neologism coined to indicate precisely the fear and anxiety generated by mathematics. Although it may seem strange, it is a more widespread phobia than you thinkespecially among the very young. A condition which, if not overcome, can generate a vicious circle which negatively affects the course of study undertaken by the boys. Experiencing math anxiety often leads to a departure from this matter and therefore to the lack of acquisition of skills which then make it even more difficult, face scientific subjects without fear. Understanding the signs of matophobia is therefore essential in order to be able to provide children and young people with the right support.
Matophobia: Seymour Papert’s theory
According to South African mathematician Seymour Papert this fear and aversion to mathematics was born in school, in particular during the first years of education school. It would be a condition that manifests itself when the student finds himself confronted with some problems, the mathematical ones precisely, to which he is unable to provide immediate solutionsand and towards which he develops a sense of fear.
At the base, cultural prejudices
At the origin of matophobia there are often social conditioning. Not surprisingly, it seems to be a problem that it most often affects girls compared to boys and this probably for deeply rooted cultural prejudices. A classic example is the preconception according to which kids would have a more “scientific” mindnaturally inclined towards more technical subjects, and the girls on the contrary would be more inclined to the humanities and therefore more averse to mathematics.
«There is also a widespread perception, still very present in society, that mathematics is a very complicated discipline, within the exclusive reach of a few “brilliant” minds – explains Marina García, coordinator of the Kumon Mathematics programa learning method that helps children of any age to acquire an effective study technique – This widespread idea brings with it the message that if math “hurts you”, little or nothing you can do about it, except suffer from it and avoid it as much as possible. Many children (and adults) they associate matter with painful memories of situations that have them make yourself feel worthless, not very intelligent, not very capable and helpless in the face of failure. These situations can lead to lack of self-confidenceanxiety and panic when faced, for example, with a math exam or going to the blackboard to solve an exercise in front of one’s classmates».
The consequences
In fact, what is good to consider are the consequences that, over time, matophobia can generate in children: feeling incapable of finding solutions can in fact cause discomfort, apprehension, rejectionup to the belief that mathematics is a discipline only for a few.
One of the characteristic symptoms of matophobia is own the anxiety that arises from associating mathematics with unsuccessful experiences and frustration throughout one’s life.
Matophobia: the signs to watch out for
So how to understand if a child or young person suffers from matophobia so as to be able to intervene correctly?
«A very important recommendation for this and many other problems related to the identification of complicated situations that can affect our children is make sure they find, on a regular basis, spaces or moments that are conducive to communication. – explains Marina García – For example, organizing dinner in the family without television or cell phones, or transforming the moment of walking the dog into a family routine where share time together. Often we parents complain that our children “they don’t tell us anything”but do we give them this space to do it?».
Not just votes
Equally important is try not to focus too much on resultsunderstood as a vote.
“When parents talk about school with kids, they don’t have to ask them just what grade they got – still recommends the expert – it is indeed good show interest in their feelings, with open-ended questions, such as ‘how did you feel?’. This can lead to share deeper evaluationshelping the boy to express typical phrases such as “It’s just that I’m not capable”, “I’m not worth it”“I get nervous” or “I’m sure I won’t pass the next exam either”».
Matophobia can also manifest itself with physical symptoms, for example the stomach pain.
“It’s interesting try to figure out if the stomach pain may be related to situations that may cause our children stress or anxiety, such as exams, work, class presentations or other situations – continues Marina García – Finally, it is very important that, in case of clues or doubts about it, rely on professionals who can adequately advise on how to intervene”.
How to overcome matophobia
One approach that seems to be useful for avoiding the onset of matophobia and other similar problems is the Kumon method, a learning method developed more than 60 years ago by Toru Kumon, a mathematics teacher, in Osaka, Japan . The method, now present in 61 countries, aims to develop the maximum learning ability of each student and to promote the development of skills in autonomous way.
«The pupils in Kumon they do not study the conceptual contents that correspond to them by their age, or by their school year – explains Maria García – Le challenges are posed according to their abilities at all times and other important aspects such as the concentration, their workload, their pace of progress and their attitude towards learning. When a student works with content adapted to his level, in fact, it will not cost him, and he will also enjoy practicing a little every day. He will realize that with this routine he is improving, strengthening his skills and study habits, and he will learn that success is the result of these small daily efforts, of a good planning and the acquisition of good habits”.
Learn to be wrong
Strong point of the method, also the one that often represents a difficult challenge for students: that is, learning to make mistakes without experiencing a school mistake with frustration. «At Kumon we give our pupils the opportunity to experiment without fear, in front of a challenge they will say “I’ll try“ – explains the expert – They will also have to learn to make mistakes, obviously, by facing the mistakes and learning from them. It is indeed important that every child feels that sense of accomplishment, of ability, which will help him gain self-confidence and that will make him want to keep learning all his life.
So how can we help children and young people overcome matophobia? In the gallery above, some advice provided by Kumon experts.
iO Woman © REPRODUCTION RESERVED