"Many people think of mathematics as one of the most logical, most impersonal branches of knowledge, yet it inspires more emotion than any other school subject" - the opening to this episode, read by Kaitlyn Byrne (a maths teacher here at Raha International School), sums the situation up rather well, if that is possible.

This episode has been on the horizon for quite some time. Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on the progress made in Mathematics across the Primary and Secondary grades, the conversations about maths gaps, maths progress, and of course maths anxiety, have been happening up and down the grade levels with teachers students and parents.

Thank you to Mellissa Jayawickrema and the 11 students who provided incredibly valuable insights during our recorded conversations.

Articles referred to in this episode:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/ulterior-motives/202104/is-math-anxiety-real

https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/finding-the-next-einstein/201511/why-some-math-anxiety-might-actually-be-good-thing

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/school/teachers/teachingresources/discipline/maths/MTT_Mathematics_Anxiety.pdf

Episode 11, which follows in a few days, focuses more on strategies and interventions. Don't miss it!

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