Ethnomathematics: humanistic learning to manage math anxiety

Abstract

Abstract Anxiety is one of someone emotion. Math anxiety will make a negative effect on student personality. Of course, this problem should not be left, because it will make a bad impact for next generation. One of learning approach that can manage math anxiety is by learning which regard the human side. Mathematical learning that regarding the human side of the student is called humanistic mathematical learning. This learning is recommended to make students enjoy in learning and pay more attention to their existence as humans in their learning environment. The school with strong tribal customs has problems in delivering material. Language is a major obstacle in delivering material. Furthermore, educators must use the local language to teach mathematics, it’s called ethnomathematics. Ethnomathematics appear as a bridge between formal mathematics and concrete mathematics around student culture. With ethnomathematics, students will be easier and more enjoyable when learning mathematics because the material is directly related to their culture in daily life. Therefore, ethnomathematics learning can help the teacher to manage math anxiety.