Addressing math anxiety in Canada with a proven approach

The traditional 'drill and kill' method isn't just failing to produce results; it’s actively alienating a generation of learners from a subject vital to their future success.

For many students — and, truth be told, many adults — the word "math" is synonymous with "anxiety." Whether it’s the pressure of a timed test or the frustration of a formula that won't stick, math anxiety can be a significant barrier to learning. However, recent insights from educators and experts suggest that the right curriculum can transform this fear into confidence.

In Canada, where classrooms are increasingly diverse and the focus on mental health is a top priority, the Math — No Problem! mastery approach offers a refreshing solution. By moving away from rote memorization and towards a supportive, problem-solving model, we can help students let go of anxiety and find the "beauty" in mathematics.

The decline in Canada’s elementary math results

This shift toward a more supportive, mastery-based approach comes at a critical juncture for Canadian education. Recent data reveals a deepening "math crisis" across the country: in Ontario, 2024–2025 EQAO results show that nearly half of Grade 6 students (49%) failed to meet the provincial standard, with 48% of that cohort either dropping from the standard or never meeting it since Grade 3.

The situation is even more stark in Alberta, where 2024 Grade 6 Provincial Achievement Test (PAT) scores plummeted under a new curriculum, with nearly half of students failing to reach the "acceptable" level — even as the passing grade was lowered to just 37%. Perhaps most concerning is the emotional toll: only 48% of Ontario Grade 6 students now say they actually like math, while Alberta school boards report a steady decline in student interest. These figures suggest that the traditional "drill and kill" method isn't just failing to produce results; it’s actively alienating a generation of learners from a subject vital to their future success.

The root of the problem: Why math causes anxiety

Traditional math instruction often emphasizes speed, individual performance, and "right or wrong" answers. As Year 6 teacher Ross Deans notes, "Maths for me was an area of anxiety...it was something that repelled me as quite a creative person." Many students feel this same "sting" of performance pressure, which can lead to a cycle of avoidance.

Dr. Sue Gifford, an expert in early years education, points out that "research has proven that anxiety blocks working memory, which prevents learning." When a child is stressed, their brain literally lacks the capacity to process new information. This is particularly relevant in our post-pandemic landscape, where many learners are grappling with "depressed literacy, depressed number sense and depressed social skills."

Strategy 1: Framing math as a story

One of the most effective ways to lower the "affective filter" and reduce anxiety is through storytelling. The Maths — No Problem! curriculum frames math concepts as stories, which makes the subject more accessible and less intimidating.

"In every session, there's a story," says Ross Deans. By grounding abstract numbers in real-world contexts, students aren't just "grappling with formulas," they are solving problems for characters they recognize. This approach develops conceptual flexibility, giving children a "way in" to even the most complex problems.