I must have been delusional to say I got into the MMBA program and did not expect to deal with the numbers and mind-bugging spreadsheets I faced in a couple of weeks. Coming from a background with barely any mathematical experience, my last major study of math was pre WAEC I avoided taking any math-related courses in university, and voila, my life seemed to have been turned upside down right before my eyes with numbers. I dread seeing numbers and even fundamental math problems as percentages threaten my brain.
Experts have defined Mathephobia has as the mental disorganization that arises among some people when they are required to solve a mathematical problem. A general fear of contact with mathematics, the tension and anxiety from seeing these throws one off balance, the sheer thought of the difficulty associated with, if you are anything like me, you can imagine the dilemma faced in Data Analytics class. When you have math anxiety you tend to avoid the subject. In this case its unavoidable that there’s no escape. Numbers are being hurled at’ us faster than the speed of light.
There’s no option but to succeed in this program, so what do we do? These are the steps I will be taking as I hope to return to this post and see that I made it. One thing I’m grateful for is the faculty in charge of the Data Analytics class, Dr. Bongo Adi, has noticed this lapse and is creating a learning-oriented rather than a performance-oriented environment. With the pressure of feeling left behind in a fast-paced institution, what chances do you have? these are the steps I’m personally taking to get ahead, you should try it too.
Steps to Note.
- Acknowledge your position and where you are at the moment, changing your mindset and having a mental shift is necessary. This inward assessment helps reduce the anxiety.
- Put in the work, undoubtedly no brainer if we are to succeed in any task in life.
- Go back to the basics break it down.
- Learn 1 or 2 concepts per day that will stick.
- Get a tutor.
- Ask questions.
- Practice practice practice
- Make a chart of your formulas and place it where you can see it.
- Eliminate distractions it helps you retain important data.
- In your spare time, use and feed your brain correctly. This could be in the form of exercise, puzzle games.
- Don’t miss a class and do your assignments as soon as possible after class.
The Goal
Building interest in numbers regardless of their complexity increases confidence, ability to analyze and rationalize, gain improved focus, concentration, and intelligence, ability to solve complicated problems and break things down into smaller components, increase learning capacity, of course, to pass the exams in flying colors grades not just merely getting by. I’m hopeful, and there’s a new sense of excitement, willing to challenge myself and see what the best possible outcome will be I urge you not to be dismayed but to look on the brighter side. Go forth and crunch those numbers.
#MMBA4
