Math Anxiety

When you worry about a math test it can lead to a decrease in working memory so you really can not remember.

When learning new formulas, I recommend rewriting the formula every time you use it.  I also recommend you say the formula out loud.  This lets you see it many time, hear it many times and write it many times.  When you take a test you don't need to worry because you will recall it.  It may seem like overkill but it works.

Also tests should not be timed anymore.  The stress of time makes a student worry.  Ask to take the test in the library for as long as you need.  If your grade improves you and your teacher will understand the time is creating your anxiety.  A good teacher will let you take all your tests that way.

Also when you feel like you are not good a math.  Some will say, " you just don't have a math brain", so you just give up.  You may not be good at math but what you do need is more practice with math.  Maybe most of the class totally understands new material after doing 10 problems but you might need 20 problems.

So you need to work harder and perhaps hire a tutor to work with you.  Math is like a foreign language.  You need to learn the vocabulary and understand each step.

From "Reducing Math Anxiety by Liana Heitin June 10 ,2014