Letran-SHS STEM Area facilitates webinar on Conquering Anxiety in Learning Mathematics

Danielle Margareth Piler

MONDAY, September 20, 2021 - In line with the celebration of STEM Week 2021, the SHS STEM Department facilitated an online event entitled, “Math Mindsets Comes First: Overcoming Anxiety in Learning Mathematics” via Google Meet and FB Live, attended by the Grade 11 STEM students as the participants.

Ma. Cassandra Rillo, master of the ceremony and from STEM11-A began the event with a brief introduction of the topic to be discussed. The proceeded with an opening remarks by Ms. Monique Molina, the STEM Learning Area Coordinator.

“We believe that even if we are in the remote learning area, we shall still celebrate the persistence of both the students and teachers to indulge themselves in holistic learning, specific to Science and Mathematics,” she remarked.

She also added that through this Math Webinar, the Senior Squires would be more knowledgeable in understanding Mathematics with Science and Technology, including the tips on how to handle their math anxiety. Ms. Molina exclaimed as she ended her opening remarks, “Arriba STEM Senior Squires! Siempre Arriba, Siempre Letran!”

Following, Ms. Mylene Masangya, a STEM faculty, welcomed the resource speaker, Ms. Mary Joy A. Villareal, a Math Teacher from Caloocan National Science & Technology High School. Ms. Joy is currently pursuing her master’s degree at the University of the Philippines-Diliman, taking Master of Arts in Education, major in Mathematics.

Her presentation entitled, “Math Mindsets Comes First: Overcoming Anxiety in Learning Mathematics,” intends to alert the students regarding their state of well-being with the subject Mathematics. Thus, she advised the participants to be more aware of themselves and avoid the fact that Math anxiety is normalized and should just be ignored.

“It always starts with awareness. You can’t give any action to any particular issue or problem if you’re not aware and educated enough,” she stated, implying that we should take action to lessen or avoid Math anxiety as much as possible because it’s unhealthy.

The participants were gladly entertained when Ms. Joy shared a short story on how her relationship with Mathematics blooms like a flower as time passes by. She eventually fell in love with Math when she was just a child, and they became best of friends as she grew older.

Not until she reached 2nd year of college, the atmosphere seemed to change, so suddenly, she started to have second thoughts about her decision to take mathematics as her major.

“Math is like a relationship with someone you love,” she commented whilst talking about the ups and downs that she experienced. She also added that her encounters were like a rollercoaster. Fortunately, she managed not to give up on pursuing her passion, which was all worth it since all of her intricate works paid off.

“What I’m sure about is that we’re reunited. I don’t see her as a stranger anymore,” she exclaimed with fulfillment.

She also mentioned the three types of Math anxiety, which is very common for teenagers, especially pupils and students.

To add to the lecture, having these common signs and symptoms will most likely tell a student if they possess Math anxiety: 1) Heartbeats faster while taking a Math Exam, (2) Palms start to sweat during a Math Class, (3) You get butterflies in your stomach and can’t concentrate when solving Math problems.

Hence, she presented some simple tips for overcoming Math anxiety, such as breathing exercises, writing down your worries, engaging in physical activities, changing your mindset towards Mathematics, peer tutoring approach, etc.

Aside from it, constant practice and discipline are a must in studying Mathematics despite whether a student likes it or not. Plus, reviewing the basics plays a crucial role in society since the world also revolves around Mathematics.

“It’s always okay to ask for help. Learning shouldn’t come only from the teacher, but also from the students,” she remarked, implying that it’s a give and take. She also stated that having Math anxiety doesn’t equate to being deficient in Mathematics.

“Kayang-kaya i-develop ang katalinuhan, kung pagsisikapan,” she said.

As the webinar is close to its end, she also advised the teachers to avoid giving surprise quizzes since it pressures the student more and affects their mentality.

Ms. Joy lastly shared her mantra in life serving as her final words before concluding her speech, “Learning Math is more fun when we embrace and appreciate it,”

The Math webinar formally ended with Ms. Roanne de Guzman, STEM faculty and the Chairman of the Event awarded Ms. Joy Villareal the certificate of recognition followed by her closing remarks and the community singing of the Himno del Colegio.

• ABM Students partake in the Career Path: Guide to your future path Webinar

• Letran launched the "Ligtas Letran Vaccination Program."

• Women's Month 2021: Juana Kumusta ka sa Gitna ng Pandemya webinar

• Make Manila Plastic-Free Movement front a Plastic Pandemic Webinar

• WELLbinar Series: Letran SHS Creative Hub holds the Blind Spot Webinar