Fear of taking math exams in the time of COVID-19
Fear of taking math exams in the time of COVID-19
Author(s): Jolanta Perek-Białas, Paweł Grygiel, Roman Dolata, Paulina SkórskaSubject(s): School education, Educational Psychology, Behaviorism, Health and medicine and law, Sociology of Education
Published by: Instytut Badań Edukacyjnych – Państwowy Instytut Badawczy
Keywords: Math anxiety; test anxiety; general anxiety; math achievement;
Summary/Abstract: Mathematics exam results play a critical role in shaping students’ future educational pathways. Understanding the factors that negatively impact math achievement and attitudes towards mathematics, particularly in the context of general anxiety, has become increasingly important, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift to remote education. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms through which general anxiety influences math achievement, specifically in the context of high-stakes qualifying exams, among Polish adolescents. Analysing data from a unique sub-sample of panel participants (N=110), we found that math achievement in this group was directly influenced only by math anxiety, while general anxiety affected math achievement indirectly through its impact on math anxiety. We recommend addressing not only the overall exam-related anxiety but also the specific fear of mathematics to help reduce math anxiety among youth.
Journal: EDUKACJA
- Issue Year: 168/2024
- Issue No: 1
- Page Range: 9-19
- Page Count: 11
- Language: English
