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TU Portal STEM

Hispanics in STEM: Current Landscape and Opportunities

Careers in stem

Discover the diverse and rewarding opportunities within STEM fields. Whether you're interested in technology, engineering, healthcare, or environmental science, a career in STEM can offer:

High job security due to increasing demand
Competitive salaries and benefits
Opportunities for innovation and making a positive impact on society

To learn more about STEM careers and find resources tailored to your interests, visit Careers in STEM.

how to encourage your student to pursue Stem Education

Four Tips for Getting Kids Interested in Science and Tech:

1. Incorporate STEM into Daily Life

Encourage students to explore the science behind everyday activities like cooking, gardening, or building things. Simple hands-on experiments at home can spark curiosity and make learning fun.

2. Support Their Interests

Help kids explore different areas of STEM by providing opportunities to try out various activities, such as visiting science museums, attending workshops, or participating in STEM-based after-school programs.

3. Use Technology to Your Advantage

With technology being a major part of our daily lives, encourage students to use educational apps, online games, or coding platforms to develop a passion for learning in a tech-driven world.

4. Foster a Growth Mindset

Promote the idea that intelligence is not fixed. Encourage your child to embrace challenges and failures as part of the learning process, helping them develop resilience in STEM subjects like math and science.

Study: Parent Engagement Is Key to Sparking STEM Interest

Recent studies reveal that parent engagement plays a crucial role in encouraging high school students to pursue STEM. When parents are informed and guided on how to talk about the importance of science and math, their children are more likely to score well on STEM standardized tests and pursue STEM careers later on.

Key Findings: According to a study conducted by the University of Virginia and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, students who received encouragement from their parents about STEM subjects showed greater interest and achievement in these areas. visit: http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/curriculum/2017/03/stem_parents_study.html )

How to overcome Math Anxiety

What is Math Anxiety?

Do you get nervous when you’re about to answer a math problem? Does your mind go blank from just looking at a math problem? Do you feel like math “just isn’t your thing”?

If so, you might have math anxiety. And guess what? That’s completely normal. Math anxiety is a feeling of intense frustration or helplessness about one’s ability to do the math. Math anxiety can be a disabling condition, causing humiliation resentment, and even panic. Luckily, you’re not alone. An extraordinary number of people admit to having math anxiety, and there are many ways to overcome it.

Why is Math Anxiety So Common?

In the U.S., it's not uncommon to hear the phrase: “I am not a math person.” This phrase reflects the negative stigma that math has in our society. It suggests that math is only for certain people, often depicted as "nerds" or "geeks"—those who somehow seem immune to the struggles that many face in math. This cultural view of math as something difficult or "not for everyone" contributes to math anxiety.

Several factors make math anxiety widespread:

Teaching Methods: Many traditional methods focus heavily on memorization rather than understanding. This leaves little room for creativity or problem-solving, contributing to frustration.
Standardized Testing: The focus on standardized tests often causes schools to teach math in ways that prioritize test-taking strategies over true conceptual understanding.
Structural Barriers: Studies show that young girls, women, and minorities may face additional challenges, such as unconscious biases or lower expectations, which can lead to fewer opportunities for success in math.

Tips to Overcome Math Anxiety

Learn Techniques to Manage Stress
Meditation and deep breathing can help calm your nerves. These relaxation techniques are excellent for managing anxiety, and they can be especially useful when you’re feeling stressed about math tests or assignments. Taking a few minutes to calm down can reset your mindset and help you focus better.
Combat Negative Thinking
Lack of confidence is a significant barrier for many students with math anxiety. Negative self-talk like "I'm bad at math," "I won't get a good grade," or "I can’t do this" only reinforces your anxiety. Try replacing these thoughts with positive affirmations like "I can do this" or "I’m prepared." Reaffirming your ability to succeed is a crucial part of overcoming math anxiety.
Do the Easiest Problems First
Start by doing the problems you feel most comfortable with. This helps to build confidence and reduce anxiety. As you complete easier problems, you’ll feel more at ease tackling the harder ones that come next.
Start Preparing Early
Cramming for exams often leads to stress and forgetfulness. Instead, review your material over time to ensure you understand it deeply. When you approach math with consistent, spaced-out practice, you'll feel more prepared and less anxious come test day.
Focus on Understanding, Not Just Memorizing
Instead of memorizing formulas or procedures, try to understand the “why” behind math concepts. When you understand the concepts, you’re better able to apply them in various situations, making it easier to recall the material under stress. Math is a series of building blocks; mastering each one ensures that the next is easier to understand.

Conclusion

Math anxiety is real, but it doesn't have to hold you back. By adopting these strategies, you can build your confidence and reduce stress, allowing you to succeed in math and even enjoy it!

For More Strategies to Overcome Math Anxiety

Check out these websites for more tips and techniques that can help you manage and overcome math anxiety:

How to Overcome Math Anxiety - Weber State University
A helpful guide with proven strategies for managing stress and improving math skills.
Coping with Math Anxiety - Platonic Realms
An insightful article offering practical advice for reducing anxiety and building confidence in math.
Professor Freedman’s Math Help - Math Power
A resource for learning effective math strategies and tips for overcoming math-related stress.

These resources offer a variety of strategies to help you cope with math anxiety and build a stronger foundation in mathematics. Don't hesitate to explore these helpful links for further support!