Math can be one of the most stressful subjects. There are a lot of factors that create pressure and stress for students, some of which include tough tests and peer pressure. This article focuses on the main causes of stress and what are some ways you cope with it.
One of the most important causes of stress for students in math is the expectation to do well on tests or assignments. The fear of getting low grades can overwhelm students when they feel that their academic success will have a lasting impact on their future opportunities such as getting into a good college. Additionally, students face peer and parent pressure to get good grades in class. The combination of academic pressure with the desire to meet other people’s expectations, and the fear of future consequences creates anxiety and stress. This can take a toll on the students’ mental health with the constant worrying and anxiety resulting in sleepless nights, difficulty concentrating in class, and a sense of burnout. This pressure can also cause students to stop engaging with the class by feeling overwhelmed by the constant need to “perform better” and “get good grades” rather than learning and gaining knowledge. Mrs. Williams, math department head at Skyline, emphasizes that “identifying where the pressure comes from is the most important part” in dealing with external stress factors. She advises students, “If it’s coming from peer pressure, it’s one thing. If it’s coming from parents, it’s a different one so if it’s from peers, they should just focus on themselves. If it’s from parents, or college counselors, they need to seek another adult’s help.”
Another source of stress for students is time management while testing. Students may feel an overwhelming sense of urgency while taking a test thinking they won’t have time to finish. This leads to added anxiety during testing even if the worry is unfounded. This pressure is especially heightened when students are taking a test that heavily impacts their grade. When asked what students can do to manage the stress that comes with time management during tests Williams suggests that students should “do homework problems and review problems in a timed environment so they can practice in a test-like setting.” She also advises students to “not fixate on a certain part of the test—skip it and come back if needed.”
In addition to external factors that cause stress, students put a lot of pressure on themselves. They feel the need to do well in math, but when they feel like they are not meeting their own expectations or the perceived expectations of their peers. This leads to feelings of failure and frustration; they may see a missed question or a mistake on a test or a quiz as a personal flaw.
On top of this, when students don’t feel they understand a concept in class, their stress levels increase, leaving the students feeling stuck and overwhelmed. To help manage this stress, Williams suggests that students seek out effective study strategies that work for them and encourages students to ask questions during flextime or after school. She also emphasizes students asking questions as soon as new topics are introduced, rather than waiting until the end to decrease their stress levels. Forming study groups is another suggestion that can help students work more effectively together and reinforce their understanding of the material.
To understand the stress that comes with math for the students here at Skyline, we conducted a math stress investigation there were 92 responses. If you’re interested in looking into the data and the analysis to learn more about the math-related stress levels here at Skyline, click on this link! And to read the full interview with Mrs. Williams – including her ratings of math jokes, click on this link.
Here are some tips to help relax and feel confident preparing for your math or any class:
- Don’t be afraid of naps! Taking a nap can help you regain energy fast, allowing you to refocus on your work with a clearer mind. Even 15 minutes can help.
- Organize your time and make sure to take breaks! Make a checklist and reward system with yourself. Check off one thing from your list, take a 15-minute break, and repeat!
- Take a breath of fresh air! It might be raining out there, but it’s good to open your windows and breathe in fresh air sometimes.
- Get a snack! It’s good to walk around after sitting down for a long time, and what better way than to eat a delicious snack?
- Find quotes to motivate you! Quotes can inspire you and make you feel a lot better. Our personal favorite quote is “YALAC”! Remember, “You are Lovable and Capable”!
