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Wednesday, July 16, 2014

How Can I Develop Math Confidence?


Remember that some amount of anxiety is helpful to keep us motivated and energized about something. However, if your anxiety is so great that it is interfering with your ability to do well in class, there are some steps you can take:

• Do math every day

Just like with a foreign language, if you don't use math frequently, you'll have a harder time becoming fluent. Do some math every day (Yes, including weekends), even if it's only 15-30 minutes. Try to avoid stacking all of your math activities on one or two days.


Scheduling


Build positive time management skills by making and sticking to a reasonable schedule. Your schedule should include time for studying, as well as social and personal activities. There are many ways to make a schedule; find what works best for you.


Prepare adequately


Make sure you're going to every class and regularly reading your math textbook. Use you TAs and academic resources on campus. For larger projects, start early rather than waiting until the last minute.


Identify and eliminate negative self-talk


Become aware of your internal dialogue. Start replacing negative self-talk with more affirming and rational self-talk. This may feel funny at first, but it will start feeling natural the more you practice.


Practice good self-care


Get enough sleep. Eat well-balanced, regular meals. Participate in a regular exercise program. Learn effective ways to relax and manage stress and anxiety. Poor self-care leads to poor performance in all areas, including math.


Seek help


Find a study buddy or study group. If you feel you need additional assistance, seek out a tutor or counselor. The Counseling Center offers a group to help students gain math confidence. Don't let fear of asking for help keep you from reaching your goals.

Blog Courtesy - http://www.counseling.ufl.edu/cwc/developing-math-confidence.aspx

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