The Derby Intervention

The Maths Anxiety Research Group (MARG)

The Mathematics Anxiety Research Group (MARG) at the University of Derby is an interdisciplinary team of international researchers. A wide range of research is carried out, investigating causes of maths anxiety in children and adults. The group have used several measurement techniques to understand maths anxiety, including questionnaires, interviews, changes in the body (e.g. blood pressure), eye-movement, and changes in electrical activity in the brain. A key focus of the group’s activities relates to designing and testing ways that maths anxiety can be reduced. This has included working closely with a range of stakeholders, such as teachers, parents, and various professionals working in education, such as educational psychologists. Research has also moved beyond the laboratory, investigating maths anxiety in the classroom, including anxiety felt by teachers when teaching maths. MARG is particularly keen to consider the role of maths anxiety (and associated attitudes and beliefs) in the attainment gap, supporting students who fail to reach their potential, perhaps due to stereotypes around gender or even having a disadvantaged background.

Maths Anxiety Trust and MARG are planning a series of talks for teachers with Dr Thomas Hunt as the speaker. These will take place in different geographic locations and will be announced later this year.

MARG