Addressing Mathematics Anxiety: A Case Study in a High School in Brazil

Abstract

Mathematics Anxiety is debilitating and causes negative impacts on students' academic lives. In this case study, we use Participatory Action Research methodology to address Mathematics Anxiety in a public high school in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). An intervention was performed using tools such as the Growth Zone Model and the hand model of the brain in order to address anxiety and build Mathematical Resilience. The levels of Mathematics Anxiety were measured before and after the intervention using the revised MAS scale (MAS-R), and narrative records were made. The data indicate positive evidence in performing this kind of intervention, adding to the literature on building Mathematical Resilience and leading us to continue developing our practice as anxiety-informed teachers, and to recommend future interventions with bigger and more diversified samples.