Math anxiety is something I encounter often in tutoring sessions. Many students come in believing they are simply “bad at math,” but in reality, their struggle is often rooted in past negative experiences or a lack of confidence rather than actual inability. Over time, I’ve learned that my role isn’t just to teach concepts—it’s to change the way students perceive their own potential.
One of the most memorable tutoring experiences I had was with a student who was convinced she could never understand algebra. Every time she saw an equation, she would tense up and shut down. Instead of diving straight into problem-solving, I started by breaking down her fears: What about math made her anxious? When did she start feeling this way? Simply acknowledging her frustration helped her feel heard, which was the first step toward building her confidence, and it ensured I helped her come out of her math-hatred shell.
From there, I introduced a strategy I often use: breaking problems into small, manageable steps. Instead of overwhelming her with entire equations, we worked on recognizing patterns in numbers and practicing simple manipulations. I also encouraged her to verbalize her thought process; breaking down to the basics helped her to build up her own confidence, and getting questions right slowly brought her to enjoy math, to enjoy the process.
One day, after solving a particularly tricky problem on her own, she looked up at me and said, “Wait… I think I actually get this.” That moment—that spark of realization—is what makes tutoring so rewarding. It’s not just about mastering formulas or passing a test; it’s about proving to students that they are capable.
Now, whenever I work with a student who struggles with math anxiety, I remind them that learning is a process, not a performance. Mistakes are not failures but stepping stones. The goal isn’t just to solve problems, but to build confidence in their ability to think and reason through them. Seeing a student transform from doubtful to determined is why I love what I do.
Samin Hossain
