Write an article based on this "Know the myths about mathematical ability. Recognize perfectionist thinking. Consider the ability of the teacher who taught you or your child. Consider your own feelings about mathematics."
Some people develop a fear of mathematics because they believe things about math that aren't necessarily true. Statements like, "men are better at math than women" or "there is no creativity involved in math" are just a few myths that are commonly heard and believed. While there have historically been more male mathematicians than female mathematicians, no evidence exists to show that men are innately better at math than women. Historically, men have had better educational opportunities than women, but this is changing. Some believe that math is all about logic, with little to do with creativity. Although logical thinking is necessary to work through the steps to solve a math problem, understanding where to begin in solving the problem sometimes requires a healthy dose of intuition. Some believe that to be good in math means being able to do all the calculations in your head. Counting on the fingers shows an understanding of basic arithmetic, and a form of finger calculation led to the development of the abacus. Some believe that being good in math means getting the right answer in the right way. While the ways taught to do certain calculations are the easiest and "best" methods, they're not the only methods. When adding 1/6 to 3/8, it's usually taught to convert to the equivalent fractions of 4/24 and 9/24 to add to make 13/24 because 24 is the lowest common multiple of 6 and 8. However, it's also okay to convert the fractions to 8/48 and 18/48 (6 x 8 = 48) and add to make 26/48, which reduces to 13/24. Finding the lowest common multiple simply means you have smaller numerators to add together. Related to the common myths about mathematical ability listed above are personal beliefs about one's inability to do math. People with math phobias may believe they can't get the answer fast enough, or that if they got the answer, the problem had to have been too easy. In truth, while a math test may be timed, mathematics is not about how fast you get the answer. If the problem looked too simple, it's more likely that you are actually better at math than you think you are. When approaching math, take your time and take perfection out of it. Tell yourself that nobody is perfect and if you struggle with a problem, ask questions instead of giving up. Unfortunately, many teachers themselves suffer from math anxiety and accordingly do not teach math well. Such teachers usually fall back to teaching exclusively from the textbook, relying on memorizing facts, and employing only drill and practice to reinforce the lesson. Note that while many college education programs require future teachers to declare and be educated in an academic specialization or concentration, school districts may hire teachers for teaching positions outside that area of specialization. Thus, a teacher hired to teach mathematics may not have had a great deal of academic coursework in the subject and how to teach it. If you yourself suffer from math anxiety, you'll more than likely pass your fears onto your children if you don't address them. Although telling your child that it's okay not to be good at math because you weren't on the surface sounds supportive, it also lowers their expectations for themselves. Cultivate a positive environment relating to mathematics, especially when helping your children with their assignments.