Why do many students have math anxiety?

(Dan Tri) - According to experts, is it possible that many teachers do not know how to make students love math or have not helped them answer the practical question: What is the purpose of learning math?

Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Principal of Chu Van An High-Quality Secondary School in Long Bien, Hanoi, shared this at the "Teaching Applied Mathematics in High Schools" workshop, held in Hanoi this morning (September 28).

At the workshop, experts and scientists focused on discussing topics such as: Teaching applied mathematics in general education in daily life and scientific fields; the role of administrators in promoting applied mathematics teaching in general education schools; designing and organizing applied mathematics teaching activities based on teaching practice…

Master's degree holder Nguyen Anh Tuan, Principal of Chu Van An High-Quality Secondary School, Long Bien, Hanoi (Photo: S. Dien).

The old teaching methods made mathematics dry and boring.

According to Mr. Tuan, mathematics is a wonderful subject, but many students are afraid of it, perhaps due to the teaching methods of the teachers.

As both a school administrator and a math teacher, Mr. Tuan believes that the current methods of teaching math in high schools are outdated, academic, dry, and not connected to real life.

Some students have a fear of mathematics, focusing on memorizing formulas rather than understanding the underlying principles.

In particular, students lack practical experience in mathematics related to real-life situations. They focus on problems that apply theory and are reluctant to tackle practical applications, making the subject less appealing.

According to Mr. Thieu Quang Tung, a math teacher at Cau Giay Secondary School in Hanoi, applied mathematics has appeared in some lessons but not extensively, with the content mainly focusing on topics such as probability, statistics, and algebra.

According to this teacher, teaching mathematics in high schools still faces many difficulties: teachers lack in-depth training in applied mathematics, there is a shortage of time and resources in the classroom, and there is heavy pressure from exams.

For students, due to their long-standing study habits, they are not yet accustomed to practical thinking and open-ended problems.

According to Mr. Ta Ngoc Tri, Deputy Director of the Department of General Education, Ministry of Education and Training , mathematics has a distinct advantage in developing many skills.

Through studying mathematics, students can develop logical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills – key elements for becoming citizens who meet the demands of the new era.

However, teachers need to change their teaching methods to make mathematics more practical and to overcome students' fear of math.

Mr. Thieu Quang Tung, math teacher at Cau Giay Secondary School, Hanoi (Photo: S. Dien).

Lesson plans and textbooks are the scripts that teachers "perform" in the classroom.

According to the Deputy Director of the Department of General Education, many countries around the world have adjusted their general education programs to develop students' qualities and competencies in order to meet the demands of modern society.

In Vietnam, the 2018 general education curriculum clearly demonstrated this orientation in designing the content of subjects, including mathematics, ensuring both basic knowledge and encouraging students to apply it to practical situations.

Therefore, he hopes that teachers will innovate their lessons to connect with real life, incorporating relatable stories so that students can see the link between mathematics and practice.

"When students perceive the practical value of mathematics, they will love the subject more, develop creative thinking and problem-solving skills, making learning mathematics more practical and meaningful," said Mr. Ta Ngoc Tri.

To make mathematics teaching and learning more effective, Mr. Thieu Quang Tung suggested that teachers need to innovate teaching methods, integrate technology, design lessons relevant to real life, differentiate lessons according to abilities, participate in specialized training, and share experiences with colleagues.

Regarding schools and the education sector, Mr. Tung suggested organizing specialized training courses for teachers; building a bank of practical problems; incorporating application-based content into tests and assessments; and providing equipment, materials, and recognizing innovative teaching methods.

Professor Tran Van Tan, Hanoi University of Education (Photo: S. Dien).

According to Professor Tran Van Tan of Hanoi Pedagogical University, education is inherently conventional, with lesson plans and textbooks serving as scripts for teachers and students to perform on the classroom "stage."

Therefore, practical examples used in teaching, with pedagogical intent, may not be entirely identical to real-life situations but rather serve as "realistic representations" or simulations.

However, it is important for teachers to clarify this with students, helping them understand that this is a stepping stone to developing critical thinking and application skills, not the original reality itself.

This expert also suggested several methods for teaching mathematics at the secondary school level. For example, teachers can guide students to develop mathematical problems by drawing from real-world examples.

Teachers can begin a lesson with real-life situations, thereby sparking and formulating a topic or problem. After solving the problem, the teacher returns to the practical application so that students can clearly see the connection between mathematics and life.

In addition, schools can provide students with experiential activities to reinforce both unit-specific and comprehensive knowledge of the subject.

Citing the reality at his school, Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan said that mathematics is taught through practical situations. The school also integrates this subject with natural sciences, computer science, economics, and even art.

Teachers incorporate topics such as applied learning, personal finance, the environment, sports, and data science into their lessons, making mathematics less dry and more engaging for students.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/tai-sao-nhieu-hoc-sinh-gap-hoi-chung-so-mon-toan-20250928140645857.htm