About This Episode
Season 3. Episode 10.
In this compelling episode of Education Insight, we delve deep into the growing concern of math anxiety and its profound implications on students within the Inland Empire. Math anxiety, the paralyzing fear of mathematics, often goes unnoticed but casts a long shadow on educational outcomes. This episode sheds light on the far-reaching consequences of math anxiety and the pivotal role it plays in students’ academic and career choices.
Join us as we engage with experts, educators, and students who have experienced math anxiety firsthand. They share personal stories and insights, shedding light on the emotional and psychological toll it takes. Moreover, we delve into the societal repercussions of this dilemma, including economic disparities and career limitations.
But it’s not all about problems; we also seek solutions. Our experts provide valuable guidance on addressing math anxiety, both in schools and at home. From innovative teaching methods to fostering a positive math learning environment, we explore the strategies that can help students overcome their fears and unlock their full potential.
Don’t miss this important episode, as we strive to bridge the gap between math anxiety and success in the Inland Empire, working towards a brighter and more prosperous future for all.
Featured Guests
Michael Wangler
Dean, STEM Academic & Career Community
Biography
Michael currently serves as the Dean of Mathematics and Science within the STEM Academic & Career Community at Chaffey College. Before joining Chaffey in the summer of 2022, he served as the Director of Institutional Support at Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) during the 2021- 22 academic year. In addition to his work with GIA, he has worked for over 20 years in the California Community College system, both as a faculty member and an academic dean. His experience includes cross disciplinary efforts to build student-centered teaching and learning environments, and holistic student support systems to close equity gaps and increase student success and completion in STEM.
Jennifer McCray
Associate Research Professor and Principal Investigator Early Math Collaborative, Erikson Institute
Biography
Jennifer McCray is an Associate Research Professor and the Principal Investigator of the Early Math Collaborative at Erikson Institute, a graduate school in child development. The Collaborative provides professional development in mathematics to early childhood teachers nationally, conducts research on the teaching and learning of early math, and disseminates information through its books, journal publications, newsletter, and website. Jennifer has run several federally funded projects to develop and assess the effectiveness of professional development. She is the first author of Growing Math Minds, published by Routledge in 2018, and is the Lead Developer of a Toolkit on teaching math to young children for the Regional Educational Laboratory Appalachia, a program of the Institute for Education Sciences. Jennifer also helps lead the Racial Justice in Early Math project with colleagues from both Erikson and the University of Illinois Chicago.
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Education Insight tells the story of education in the Inland Empire through the diverse voices of those in and around the regional education community. The show is produced by Growing Inland Achievement, a collective impact organization in the Inland Empire with a mission to increase economic prosperity in the region by increasing educational attainment. Hosted by 30-year broadcast veteran Lacey Kendall, monthly shows explore topics ranging from education challenges and shortcomings to innovations and groundbreaking ideas that are driving student success.