evidencechidozie@gmail.comOvercoming the Fear of Calculation: the Relevance, Reasons and ways to resolve the Fear of Calculation.
The fear of calculation, known as arithmophobia or numerophobia, is very common among students today. Calculation is an important part of learning that cannot be overlooked. Whether you are studying social sciences, arts, or core sciences, at some point you will have to face calculations. Learning how to overcome the fear of calculation is something every student must deal with because it is not something you can avoid forever.
Most students develop a strong fear of calculation-related courses because they find them difficult to understand. As a result, they shy away from these subjects, perform poorly in them, or even completely avoid fields of study that involve calculations.
One major reason why students fear calculations is because of the formulas. Many calculation formulas look very strange and confusing at first glance. Even though these formulas might actually be simple when broken down, their appearance often scares students away. The long symbols, letters, and signs used in formulas can easily make someone feel overwhelmed if they are not properly explained.
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Another reason is the use of strange symbols and signs that look very similar to each other. In mathematics, statistics, physics, or chemistry, you will find signs like “∑”, “π”, “√”, “≠”, and so on. For a beginner, these can be very confusing. Students sometimes mix them up or feel lost trying to figure out what they mean. Without understanding these symbols properly, it becomes hard to follow the calculations.
Also, the teachers who handle calculation-related courses play a big role. Some teachers are very knowledgeable in their subject, but they may not know how to explain it in a way that students can easily understand. If a teacher teaches in a complicated or intimidating way, students will naturally become more scared and confused, instead of becoming more confident.
Other Reasons why Students Fear Calculations
Poor foundation: Some students missed the basics in their earlier education. Without a strong foundation in basic mathematics, it becomes difficult to understand more complex topics later.
Negative experiences: Past failures or bad grades in calculation-related subjects can cause a lasting fear. Students remember these experiences and believe they will always fail.
Peer influence: Sometimes, students hear others complaining about how difficult mathematics or physics is, and this builds fear in their minds even before they try.
Pressure to perform: When students feel extreme pressure to succeed in calculation-heavy courses, it can increase anxiety and cause them to fear the subject more.
How to Overcome the Fear of Calculations
The first step to overcoming the fear of calculations is to let go of the fear. Fear blocks understanding. Personally, I have met people who were passionate about science but ran to arts just because they wanted to avoid physics or chemistry. This is not good. If you don’t overcome your fear of subjects like physics, chemistry, mathematics, or statistics, you might struggle in life because meeting calculations is inevitable in academics, everyday life, and even logical reasoning.
Secondly, teachers need to be approachable and friendly. Teachers who teach calculation-related courses should make their classes interactive. They should use real-life examples, give room for questions, and encourage students to try without fear of making mistakes. When students see that their teachers are patient and willing to help, they will gradually become more comfortable with calculations.
Also, special attention should be given to formulas. Students should be taught how formulas are derived and why they are used. Instead of forcing students to memorize formulas, teachers should help students understand what each part of a formula means. This makes it much easier to remember and apply the formula correctly.
Other Tactics on how to Overcome the Fear of Calculations
Practice regularly: The more you practice calculations, the more familiar and easier they become. Practice reduces fear.
Start with simple problems: Don’t jump into very complex calculations immediately. Start small and gradually move to harder questions.
Use study groups: Learning with friends can make calculations less scary. You can share ideas and solve problems together.
Ask for help: Don’t be shy to ask teachers, classmates, or tutors for help when you are stuck. No one knows everything at once.
Stay positive: Always believe that you can improve. A positive mindset can make a huge difference in how you approach calculations.
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Final Remarks
Calculation is a part of life. Everyone at one point or another must do calculations, whether for logic, education, career, or even simple day-to-day decisions like budgeting money. Running away from calculation or fearing it is not the best solution. Instead, face it, understand it, and with time, you will realize that it is not as difficult as it first seemed. The earlier you tackle your fear of calculations, the better your academic and personal life will be. Remember, every expert in calculation today once started as a beginner who decided not to give up.
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