Reducing Math Anxiety Using Peer Observation as a Reflective Practice Strategy in a Private School in Lahore

Authors

  • Munzza Sadiq M.Phil. Scholar (ELM), Department of Education, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
  • Dr. Irfan Bashir Associate Professor, Department of Education, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62843/jssr.v6i5.791

Keywords:

Mathematics Anxiety, Peer Feedback, Learning Goals, Self-Monitoring, Self-Efficacy, Enjoyment

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of peer observation as a reflective practice model in reducing mathematics anxiety among Grade VII students in a selected private school in Punjab. Specifically, it sought to assess students' mathematics anxiety levels before and after the intervention and examine the impact of peer observation on students' confidence, participation, and engagement in mathematics learning. The study design is based on a quantitative approach of a one-group pretest-post-test design. The study was conducted in a selected private school in Lahore during the academic year 2025–2026.  The participants were Grade VII students enrolled at the selected private school. A Mathematics Anxiety Scale was administered before and after the implementation of peer observation activities. The intervention involved structured peer observation sessions and reflective discussions during mathematics lessons. Classroom observations were also conducted to monitor students’ participation, confidence, and engagement. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a paired-sample t-test to determine differences between pretest and post-test anxiety scores. When comparing the two observations, classroom practices related to reducing mathematics anxiety were positively affected by the intervention. After the intervention, students were more willing to engage in math discussions, ask questions, and engage in problem-solving activities. The classroom climate was more positive and student-focused, fostering student confidence and decreased fear of error.

Author Biography

  • Dr. Irfan Bashir, Associate Professor, Department of Education, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

    Corresponding Author: irfanbashir@umt.edu.pk

References

Ahmmed, S., Saha, J., Tamal, M. A., Abdullah Al Mamun, K., & Islam, S. (2024). Factors predicting the mathematics anxiety of adolescents: A structural equation modeling approach. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 15, Article 1484381. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1484381

Anjum, U., & Muneer, R. (2025). Mathematics anxiety among elementary students in private schools: An empirical investigation of contributing factors and mitigation strategies. Research Consortium Archive, 3(3), 956–964. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16921016

Cañeda, M. E., Mata, L. P., & Bedrijo, R. W. (2024). Investigating students’ lived experiences in mathematics classroom activities. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 8(11), 1508–1525. https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2024.8110122

Emiliana, E., & Kusmaryono, I. (2026). Students’ mathematics anxiety after participating in a deep learning-oriented Teams-Games Tournament supported by Wordwall. Jurnal Didactical Mathematics, 8(2), 457–468. https://doi.org/10.31949/dm.v8i2.18454

Moliner, L., & Alegre, F. (2020). Peer tutoring effects on students’ mathematics anxiety: A middle school experience. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, Article 1610. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01610

Naseem, A., Rana, R. A., Bashir, I., Khan, K. A., Ghafoor, A., & Malik, A. (2022). Development and validation of Afshan Mathematics Anxiety Scale (AfMAS). Webology, 19(3).

Olarewaju A. Awofala, A., Johnson, F. O., & Akinoso, S. O. (2025). Reducing mathematics anxiety through smartphone-assisted jigsaw cooperative learning among senior high school students. ASEAN Journal of Science and Engineering Education, 5(2), 75–90. https://doi.org/10.17509/ajsee.v5i2.82807

Ompad, L. C., & Jacobe, D. O. (2025). The relationship between peer tutoring experience and the academic motivation of junior high school students in mathematics. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 51(6), 934–949. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajess/2025/v51i62047

Skaalvik, E. M. (2018). Mathematics anxiety and coping strategies among middle school students: Relations with students’ achievement goal orientations and level of performance. Social Psychology of Education, 21(3), 709–723. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218-018-9433-2

Varghese, S. S., & Dominic, L. (2025). Mathematics anxiety in secondary school students: Causes, effects and interventions. Journal of Strides in Education, 3(2), 4–11.

Vattøy, K.-D., & Gamlem, S. M. (2024). Students’ experiences of peer feedback practices as related to awareness raising of learning goals, self-monitoring, self-efficacy, anxiety, and enjoyment in teaching EFL and mathematics. Scandinavian Journal of Educational Research, 68(5), 904–918. https://doi.org/10.1080/00313831.2023.2192772

Wang, C., Li, X.-y., & Lin, X.-y. (2025). Peer support as a buffer: Reducing math anxiety through psychological resilience in left-behind rural students. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 12, Article 715. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-05075-5

Zhou, Y., Jing, B., Wang, Q., & Zhang, J. (2026). What shapes mathematics anxiety in K–12 education? A scoping review of research from 2019 to 2025. Frontiers in Psychology, 17, Article 1894090. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1894090

Downloads

Published

2026-10-28

How to Cite

Reducing Math Anxiety Using Peer Observation as a Reflective Practice Strategy in a Private School in Lahore. (2026). Journal of Social Sciences Review, 6(5), 30-37. https://doi.org/10.62843/jssr.v6i5.791