How to Reduce Math Anxiety: Practice Over Perfection
Discover practical strategies to reduce math anxiety in students. Learn how consistent practice, positive reinforcement, and real-world application can build math confidence.
Breaking the Cycle of Math Anxiety
Five years out and students’ scores are still in the shadow of the pandemic. Foundational skills like math are particularly affected. As scores get worse, confidence wanes, students get anxiety, they stop practicing and the cycle repeats. Now, math anxiety affects millions of students, and, according to a new report by Hechinger—not because they lack ability, but because they avoid doing math. Research shows that anxious students opt out of math-intensive courses, reinforcing their fears and missing key practice opportunities.
As building confidence, not just improving grades, is at the core of MRM Education, we believe the solution lies in changing how students engage with math—not lowering standards, but boosting support and exposure. Here are some tips to reduce your child’s anxiety and get them engaging with Math.
1. Normalize Struggle and Encourage Practice
If struggling students are going to improve their math confidence, they need to have a growth mindset in math. Remind students: math is a skill, not a talent. Mistakes are stepping stones to mastery. Celebrating effort over perfection helps students stay engaged and motivated.
2. Make Math a Daily Habit
Math shouldn’t be confined to the classroom. Cooking, budgeting, and board games offer natural opportunities to practice math in daily life. They also provide practical math work in low stress settings. Regular exposure reduces fear and builds familiarity.
3. Prevent Learning Gaps with Consistent Exposure
Long breaks from math—especially over summer—can deepen anxiety. Encourage your child to keep math skills sharp year-round through enrichment programs, extracurricular opportunities or everyday problem-solving.
Final Thought: Practice Is the Antidote to Anxiety
Students don’t conquer math anxiety by avoiding math—they overcome it by doing more of it, in supportive, low-pressure environments. At MRM Education, we’re committed to helping every learner develop the skills and confidence to succeed.
Need more support for your student?
Contact MRM Education for personalized tutoring, enrichment, and math skill-building programs.
