Exploring Relations Between Teacher Math Anxiety and Other Teacher Characteristics

• In Event: Roundtable Session 19
  In Roundtable Session: Mathematics Teachers' Knowledge and Learning

Abstract

Past research indicates that teacher math anxiety is related to student outcomes and can be decreased through intervention, but research investigating associations among teacher math anxiety and other factors are limited. In this study, we examined relations among teachers’ math anxiety and other teacher variables with a sample of 658 teachers. We found that early elementary teachers reported higher levels of math anxiety than upper elementary teachers and secondary math teachers. Teacher math anxiety was negatively correlated with math knowledge for teaching and math teaching self-efficacy and was associated with beliefs that support more teacher-driven instruction. These findings support the argument that teacher math anxiety may be a critical factor to consider in studies of teachers, teaching, and learning.

Authors

• Colleen M. Ganley, Florida State University

• Robert Schoen, Florida State University

• Mark LaVenia, Florida State University

• Amanda Tazaz

• Rabieh Razzouk