SPC Advisor and Math Professor Team Up to Help Students Overcome Math Anxiety

8/9/2024

Two years ago, SPC career and academic advisors were tasked with reviewing student accounts to see what classes were missing, and personally calling each student to see why they stopped short of finishing their degrees. 

Advisor Leah Deranian noticed a trend. Many of her students were only missing math. Further research showed several patterns. Some students took math their first term, failed and avoided it thereafter. Others had failed attempts of developmental coursework from over 10 years ago. Others avoided it entirely.

As she called each student, the stories she heard were heartbreaking. Different circumstances led to the same result: failing, retaking and/or completely avoiding math.

“Their anxiety was palpable,” said Deranian.

Deranian shared this with the talented Dr. Carol Weideman, professor of mathematics and statistics, and the two started brainstorming. What if they created a math class designed specifically for these students, one that was difficult to fail? What if they removed every obstacle, and added in every kind of support imaginable? Could they help these struggling students reach their academic finish line?

Removing obstacles

Math2Finish, a specialized math class for students with math anxiety, was born. This 10-week Live Online section of Math for Liberal Arts I (MGF1106) was designed specifically for students with math anxiety. Deranian and Dr. Weideman collaborated with SPC’s Learning Resources to add a built-in tutor, Jason Brierton, to the class. Dr. Weideman created an innovative math anxiety/growth mindset module designed to increase metacognitive awareness, address anxiety and build success skills. She also made resource binders for the students. A Titan Achievement Grant through the SPC Foundation covered students’ books, calculators and a pre-semester meet and greet to build trust and foster connection.

Deranian rallied advisors college-wide and 22 students who had disclosed math anxiety were enrolled in the class. Bringing her dynamic, flexible and supportive teaching style to the class, Dr. Weideman encouraged them to share their concerns, surrounded them with support and helped bolster their confidence, which led them to success.

The Results

The results were remarkable, with 100% of the students passing. By comparison, for Summer 2024, the success rate for MGF1106 was 75.71% for all modalities, 71.68% for online, and 93.94% for Live Online.

Results also showed dramatic decreases in math anxiety. At the beginning of the course, 54.5% of students reported high anxiety levels at taking quizzes or tests, versus only 10.5% of students reporting that same level of anxiety at the end of the course. Even more exciting, at the beginning of the course, 40.9% of students reported high anxiety about registering for statistics, whereas only 15.8% reported the same level of anxiety at the end of the course.

“The goal was never for them to pass MGF1106 in a vacuum,” Deranian said. “Almost all of our students need two college level math courses, and many of them need statistics specifically for their major or transfer plan. The goal was to help them conquer their anxiety around math and strengthen their skills so they can move forward into the careers they want. Dr. Weideman changed 22 lives this summer.”

What students are saying

Donna, a student in SPC’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies, shared that this is the first math class that truly made her feel comfortable doing math. “[Dr. Weideman] was patient with us and made sure we understood the concepts. Because of her, I no longer fear math.” 

Jakeline, who is taking prerequisites to apply to the Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology, enjoyed the course as well and loved that Dr. Weideman took the time to break down each question.

“My math anxiety was not even present towards the end of the course,” she said. “I told myself that even if I end up with a C, I would be OK, but I ended up having an A. I’ve never felt so proud of myself, and I truly thank Dr. Weideman for all her guidance.”
 
Aida, a pre-nursing student, registered for STA2023 Elementary Statistics with Dr. Weideman in the Fall 2024 semester.

Collaborations such as these help students not only increase their confidence in their ability to learn and apply math but also helps them take that next step in completing their degree. Deranian hopes this is the first of many collaborations between professors and advisors.

Thank you to Leah and Dr. Weideman for helping 22 students with a history of math anxiety, failure or both, get closer to the finish line of earning their degrees!