Ms Dorienne Grech

Ms Dorienne Grech

Mathematics Head of Department

Parallel Sessions 2

The Monster in the Closet: A case study of Mathematics Anxiety and its Effects on Mathematics Education and Engagement of Year 9 Students

Dorienne Grech has over 26 years of experience teaching Mathematics, including 16 years as Head of Department. She holds a Master of Science in STEM Education and Engagement, with research on mathematics anxiety and student engagement. Passionate about making mathematics accessible and meaningful, she advocates for research-informed strategies that reduce anxiety, build confidence, and foster curiosity and resilience, believing mathematical confidence is vital for both education and society.

This research investigates the incidence and impact of Mathematics Anxiety (MA) among Year 9 students in a Maltese college. It examines how widespread MA is, the factors that trigger or reinforce it, and how it influences students’ engagement, participation, and performance in Mathematics. The study aims to better understand the emotional and cognitive barriers affecting learners’ confidence and achievement in Mathematics education.

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