Session 65: Counting fears: unravelling the origins of math phobia and its degree-wide impact

Abstract

People have a marmite attitude to maths – they love or hate it. This can impact their ability to do anything from simple sums/budgeting to more technical calculations e.g. statistics. With 40% of school children saying they did not enjoy learning maths, this poses a real concern for the future of STEM subjects. Additionally, the percentage of students passing GCSE Maths at grade 4 or above has dropped from 74.6% in 2020 to 70.2% in 2023.

From conversations within 6101FSBMOL advanced forensic methods, we are being told some are struggling with maths components despite support being offered in the module. There is a clear divide between those students who are comfortable with maths and those who are not. On average there is a 19% difference (range 14% to 23%) in the maths component between Forensic Science and Forensics, Policing and Investigation students from 2020-2023.

By understanding when someone is first exposed to opinion shaping views or experiences about maths, we can try to remove barriers set by those maths phobic students, taking steps to make the subject matter less daunting. Knowing how much of a barrier is in place will enable us to better utilise resources such as the Academic Achievement Unit.

Only through shifting perception can we make maths more accessible. Doing this will make a difference to the lives of those impacted and help foster a community of ‘we can’ instead of ‘I can’t’. This inclusive change will transform opinions about deep rooted insecurities that have far reaching implications both in education and life beyond LJMU.

Our hope is to highlight when someone decided how they feel about maths and what we can do at a university level to help take the courageous step towards changing their opinion and opening a door to a life free from maths phobia.

Attending this session will enhance staff's ability to guide students effectively and assist decision-makers in organising support by grasping the problem's scope and identifying areas requiring attention.

Counting fears: unravelling the origins of math phobia and its degree-wide impact PowerPoint. Only LJMU staff and students have access to this resource.