Identification of Mathematics Anxiety Through Gesture

Abstract

Mathematics anxiety refers to stress which occurs in quite long period of time when person interacts with mathematics. It may happen in any conditions, such as when teaching and learning take place or in the real life. This case study aims at identifying the main cause of mathematics anxiety, especially; it is mathematics experience which the subjects obtained in a very young age. The research subjects were two pre-school children at the age of 4-5 years. The researchers selected the subjects consider the willingness of parents and suggestions from teachers; it, therefore, allows the researcher to do further and in depth observation and exploration about the gesture. The researcher did direct observation to identify gestures when they learnt basic number concepts, and when they used mathematical concept in daily life. In the study, the subjects made various gestures, such as hand movement and facial expression when make verbal communication. The observation was done for about six months on a daily basis. Based the data analysis, it was found that the two subjects had different anxiety levels.