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Governors State University

Strategies for Overcoming Math Anxiety in Developmental Math Students at Community Colleges

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>Math anxiety is a significant problem among both traditional and adult students attending community colleges. The purpose of this study is to examine effective strategies for overcoming math anxiety in community colleges. The research question for this study was: What tools are community colleges using to help developmental math students overcome math anxiety? A qualitative systematic review of literature was used to answer the research question. The research determined various factors contributed to the development of math anxiety, which is a condition capable of persisting throughout an individual’s life. Various instruments such as the Mathematical Anxiety Ratings Scale (MARS), the Short Mathematical Anxiety Rating Scale (SMARS) and the Abbreviated Math Anxiety Scale (AMAS) are useful to assist community colleges with identifying students with higher math anxiety. The research identified expressive writing, development of remedial curriculum, creation of a safe learning environment, use of brief relaxation, use of technology, and group learning techniques as tools to address math anxiety among students in developmental math courses in community colleges. The research supported the conclusion that no one tool is effective for reducing math anxiety among all students in developmental courses in community colleges. </p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Science
Level thesis:degree_level
Thesis
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Mathematics
Year dc:date.available
2017

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Alex, Nika
Contributors dc:contributor
  • Dianna Galante, Ph.D.
  • Christopher T. White, Ph.D.
  • Michael Morsches

Subjects

dc:subject × 4

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://opus.govst.edu/theses/114
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:opus.govst.edu:theses-1116

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Governors State University
Base URL
opus.govst.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Alex, Nika. Strategies for Overcoming Math Anxiety in Developmental Math Students at Community Colleges. Thesis thesis, 2017. https://opus.govst.edu/theses/114