Math Out Loud - Why People Are Scared of Math + How to Change It

Did you know that when people think they’re “not a math person,” there’s usually a reason why? Maybe they froze during timed tests, felt embarrassed at the board, or decided that being slow meant being bad at math. These experiences can create a cycle of fear, anxiety, and avoidance that follows people LONG after math class ends. In this interactive session, we’ll uncover why so many people feel anxious about math, how experiences shape the stories people tell themselves about their abilities, and what it actually means to be “good at math.” Together, we’ll try a few simple techniques designed to interrupt the anxiety spiral and help people experience math differently. This event is presented as a part of Math Out Loud, SUMM's public lecture series designed to bring engaging mathematical ideas to life.