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Despite this positive trend in reduced anxiety levels, the results from the 2022 PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) test show a concerning decline in academic performance. Albanian students scored 368 points in mathematics in 2022—69 points lower than in 2018 and 21 points lower than in 2012.
Measuring Math Anxiety
Since 2003, the global PISA test for 15-year-olds has attempted to evaluate math anxiety levels. Students are asked to respond to six statements using a scale of “strongly disagree,” “disagree,” “agree,” or “strongly agree.” These statements include:
- “I often worry it will be difficult for me to do well in mathematics.”
- “I worry that I will get poor grades in mathematics.”
- “I get very tense when I have to do mathematics homework.”
- “I feel very nervous when solving mathematics problems.”
- “I feel helpless when doing a mathematics problem.”
- “I worry about failing in mathematics.”
The responses are aggregated to form the PISA math anxiety index, providing a standardized measure to compare anxiety levels across countries and over time.
Global Trends in Math Anxiety
UNESCO’s recent report highlighted that math anxiety has risen significantly in 37 countries and economies between 2012 and 2022. The most notable increases were observed in Austria, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, Turkey, the United States, and Vietnam. For instance, 15-year-olds in Poland and Sweden in 2022 were at least 10 percentage points more anxious about math than their peers a decade earlier.
In contrast, Albania is among the few countries where math anxiety has significantly decreased. Other nations experiencing similar declines include France, Hungary, Jordan, Qatar, Romania, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates.
The Impact of Math Anxiety
UNESCO considers math anxiety a barrier to academic achievement. Anxiety not only discourages students from pursuing further studies in mathematics but also limits career paths in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Moreover, anxiety negatively affects mental health and overall well-being across age groups.
Research indicates that the early signs of math anxiety can emerge as early as six years old, with significant implications for future development. Anxiety tends to remain stable or increase over time, underscoring the importance of early intervention.
The Paradox of Declining Anxiety and Academic Performance
Interestingly, countries with reduced math anxiety often report poorer academic performance in mathematics, as shown in PISA results. This trend applies to Albania, Jordan, Qatar, Romania, and the UAE. While less anxiety may foster a more relaxed approach to learning, it could also result in lower motivation or focus on academic excellence.
Understanding this paradox requires further research to balance reducing anxiety while maintaining or improving academic outcomes. As countries like Albania strive to improve education, addressing this dual challenge is essential for fostering both student well-being and academic success.