ABSTRACT
Marga is sitting in her introductory calculus course, with her notebook open, ready to take notes on today’s lecture. With a warm smile and friendly voice, the instructor begins by saying: “Hello everyone.” Marga takes a deep breath and hopes that the lecture will continue with more soothing words. The instructor begins by working out an example problem on the board, explaining each step as she writes. But when Marga sees those math symbols on the board she feels her body starting to tense up, and soon a sense of nervousness and fear overtakes her from head to toe. Her mind goes blank as negative thoughts and worries overtake her mind. She feels frozen with fear and is unable to take useful notes, or even follow what the instructor is saying.
