About This Session
Description
For many adult learners, math feels like a foreign language—one filled with symbols, rules, and concepts that trigger anxiety and self-doubt. As a mathematics instructor, I saw firsthand how students shut down at the mere mention of math.
Their struggle wasn’t just with numbers—it was with comprehension. They didn’t know how to read math. So, I changed my approach: I removed numbers and symbols, replacing them with words. This shift allowed me to identify literacy gaps, learning differences, and creative ways to build confidence in numeracy.
In this session, we’ll explore how applying reading and language acquisition strategies to math instruction can help students overcome fear, strengthen comprehension, and develop problem-solving skills essential for both academic and real-life success.
What we'll cover:
This session is designed for adult education instructors and professionals in the literacy field who want to help students overcome math anxiety and improve comprehension. Using real-life scenarios, student feedback, and impact statements, we’ll explore how rethinking math instruction can boost confidence and success rates.
Key Learning Outcomes:
Understanding Math Anxiety & Literacy Connections
- Identify the root causes of math anxiety in adult learners.
- Explore how math comprehension is tied to language literacy.
Applying Reading Strategies to Math Instruction
- Learn how to replace numbers and symbols with words to assess literacy gaps.
- Discover techniques to scaffold instruction using language-based math learning.
Building Confidence & Problem-Solving Skills
- Examine student-centered approaches that make math more accessible.
- Discuss how math-related brain expansion supports overall literacy and critical thinking.
Real-World Application & Implementation
- Hear student impact stories and feedback on alternative math instruction methods.
- Learn practical classroom strategies to implement immediately.
By the end of this session, participants will walk away with actionable strategies to alleviate math anxiety, strengthen literacy through math instruction, and create a more inclusive learning environment. Whether adopting my approach or developing their own, instructors will leave with tools to make math more approachable, engaging, and effective for adult learners.
Topics & Focus
Primary Topic Area
Session will also cover:
Assigned by TCALL
Pending
Handouts & Materials
No handouts or materials available at this time.
“Name of Session” – session presentation slides (PDF)
Name of Document – lesson sample (PDF)
Name of Document (PDF)
Name of Document – infographic (JPG)
Presenter
Krystal Hills
Creative Genius
The Leadership Academy of Creative Arts
Audience
Level
Case study?
Promotion?
Other info:
From the presenter:
“Although laptops aren’t required, I am open to participants bringing them to the session just in case they have questions regarding how to create math symbols in documents, or more.”
Breakout25 – HILLS
Page checked or updated: 5/29/2025
Get Texas literacy updates
Join our mailing list so you don’t miss any news:
- Local and national literacy news
- Conference updates
- Regional symposia
- Best of Texas
- Advocacy
- …more!
