The Physics Alive Podcast
Episode #17
Math Shame and Anxiety
My experience is that many people feel significant shame about their abilities to do math. I think this is widespread, from those individuals who struggle to understand “simple” mathematics to those who struggle to understand “complex” mathematics. Sometimes, shame can be motivating (although maybe not a healthy motivation), but largely I think it is debilitating. The shame message is unconsciously passed on by media, peers, and even faculty.
In this episode, I explore the shame and anxiety brought on by math. In the world of education, we can reframe our responses to students’ challenges with math, recognize and acknowledge the pervasiveness of shame and anxiety, and help construct healthy mindsets and confidence. We can begin to undo generations of math shaming.
Episode Notes and Resources
Articles and resources mentioned in the episode:
- “Americans Need to Get Over Their Fear of Math” by Sian Beilock
- “The Myth Fueling Math Anxiety” by Sarah Sparks
- Liberation Math, website by Angela Vierling-Claassen
I am an English lecturer, and cross-disciplinary tutor, and found much in your podcast that was relevant and thought-provoking for me. This was such a refreshing and inspiring podcast, and I do not say that lightly. I recently wrote about an experience with Math Shame in my adult life, and, in my desire to link to other resources, came across this podcast. You are the first Math professor (that includes Science people too!) that I have heard admit to Math anxiety, and it was quite powerful. I hope you inspire more Math teachers to do this, as I think it will change the narrative of shame you described. I’ve been reading some of Brené Brown’s work on shame and vulnerability, and your discussion raised several similar points, so just a very affirming piece of content to include in my morning walk.
I will link to your podcast in my last blog post! Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your own experience.
Thank you so much for writing, Karah! This was a very important episode for me; I’m glad you stumbled upon it for your own blog. I’m also glad you felt confident to share your own story — I’m happy to link to it here: https://karahparks.medium.com/math-demons-f4680949238f