Mathematics Anxiety:Causes and Ways of Minimization at Basic Level Students

Abstract

The major focus of this study was mathematics anxiety: Causes and Ways of Minimization of Basic Level Students. This study has addressed the questions; why mathematics anxieties occur? How do we minimize mathematics anxieties in Basic level Students? To answer these research questions, I selected the qualitative design with case study approach. The study site is Janasewa Higher Secondary School Kirtipur, Kathmandu District. Classroom observation, semi structural interview and focus group discussion were the main tools of this study. I went to the study site and observed classes, taken interview with students and teachers. Finally, focus group discussion was conducted for grade VIII students. I analyzed the information by using different theories to produce the information and draw conclusion on the study. From the analysis of the data it was found that classroom fearful environment, traditional teaching methods, ineffective school environment, low socio- economic status of the child, lack of foundation of teacher , teaching memorizing without contextualizing, lack of responsibility, accountability and transparency of stakeholders, lack of supervision of governmental agencies, school supervisor and School Management Committee were main causes of mathematics anxiety. And further it was opined that the remedial ways to minimize mathematics anxiety of basic level students were: making teaching learning activities more interesting , teaching mathematics through understanding the mathematical concept , improving school and home environment of the child, teachers help to the students to understand the mathematics concept rather than memorizing, making our mathematics education culturally relevant and contextualized.