Keyu Shao Shao

Math phobia—that sinking feeling of dread when faced with equations or word problems—is more common than you think. As someone who once struggled with abstract concepts myself, I’ve developed strategies to turn anxiety into curiosity and confidence. Here’s how I help students conquer their fears:

1. Start Small, Celebrate Progress
Math isn’t about speed; it’s about understanding. I break down intimidating topics into bite-sized, relatable steps. For example, teaching fractions through pizza slices or probability using dice games. Every small victory—like solving a tricky equation independently—is celebrated to build momentum.

2. Connect Math to Real Life
Fear often stems from thinking, “When will I ever use this?” I bridge that gap by linking concepts to everyday scenarios:

When math feels relevant, it becomes less abstract and more approachable.

3. Create a Safe, Judgment-Free Zone
Many students fear being “wrong.” In my sessions, mistakes are reframed as stepping stones. I share my own blunders (yes, even as an engineering student!) to normalize the learning process.