PHILADELPHIA, PA — A global survey conducted by the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) highlights the significant potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming math education, with 56% of high school students indicating that AI can reduce math anxiety. The insights were collected from 1,500 students in the U.S. and U.K. participating in the MathWorks Math Modeling Challenge (M3 Challenge) this year, alongside 250 teachers.
The survey found that 15% of students experienced less anxiety and 21% reported improved math scores through AI tools. Students cited AI’s ability to provide instant feedback and personalized learning as key factors in reducing stress. “Math anxiety is a longtime issue affecting millions of people of all ages worldwide, yet to date, there hasn’t been a universal solution,” said Dr. Karen Bliss, Senior Manager of Education and Outreach at SIAM. “This survey suggests that AI may be a potentially effective path forward.”
However, teacher views were notably more cautious, with only 19% of educators agreeing on AI’s potential to alleviate math anxiety and 54% remaining undecided. Many encouraged students to treat AI as a mentor rather than a shortcut. Teachers also emphasized the importance of balancing AI use with traditional educational approaches, with 64% suggesting that AI works best alongside human instruction.
The findings also shed light on the evolving student-teacher dynamic, with a third of both groups noting that AI use is reshaping classroom interactions. For instance, teachers suggested placing greater emphasis on in-person testing to validate understanding, while AI handles routine tasks like practice and assessments.
The study coincides with the 20th annual MathWorks Math Modeling Challenge, an intense 14-hour competition where students tackle real-world problems using mathematical modeling. This year, over 3,600 students from nine finalist teams will travel to New York City on April 28 for the final judging event, vying for scholarships totaling over $100,000. The 2025 competition focuses on solutions for power outages intensified by global heat waves.
Sponsored by MathWorks, the M3 Challenge continues to showcase the critical role of applied mathematics and computing in addressing real-world issues, illustrating the exciting career paths available in STEM fields.
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