Students working through maths problems in a classroom setting, as new research suggests AI tools could help identify anxiety and adapt learning support in real time
Artificial intelligence could play a role in helping students feel more confident about learning maths, according to new research that looks beyond grades and focuses on emotions inside the classroom.
A study by researchers at the University of Adelaide has examined how AI systems might be designed to recognise signs of maths anxiety and respond in ways that support students before frustration or disengagement sets in. The findings have been published in npj Science of Learning.
Maths anxiety affects more than a third of adults and children, and those with the highest levels can perform almost four years behind peers with lower anxiety. While personalised support is widely seen as the most effective way to address the problem, many teachers struggle to provide it consistently in busy classrooms.
The research suggests AI could help by adapting to a student’s inputs and behaviour, identifying patterns that point to anxiety, and adjusting its responses accordingly.
Lead researcher Dr Florence Gabriel says maths anxiety can have lasting effects if it is not addressed early.
“Maths anxiety is an emotional response characterised by fear, tension, and apprehension when a student is faced with a mathematical problem or test. In some cases, it can be so paralysing that it limits a student’s learning and performance,” Dr Gabriel says.
She notes that while some anxiety is normal, excessive levels can push students away from maths altogether.
“While it’s normal to feel some level of anxiety when encountering challenging subjects, excessive maths anxiety can lead to avoidance, reduced self-confidence and a loss of control—even long-term aversion to mathematical learning.”
The study outlines a model where emotional development is treated as central to the design of educational AI, rather than an afterthought. It argues that systems should be built to adjust task difficulty in real time, offer feedback that responds to frustration, support student-led goal setting, and provide teachers with insights that help target support.
Dr Florence Gabriel
Maths anxiety is an emotional response characterised by fear, tension, and apprehension when a student is faced with a mathematical problem or test. In some cases, it can be so paralysing that it limits a student’s learning and performance: Dr Florence Gabriel
Dr Gabriel says this approach could help students stay engaged and feel more capable.
“Tailored AI models have the potential to change the way students engage with maths. By helping students set realistic, motivating goals aligned with their individual capabilities, and by responding with encouragement when signs of frustration appear, AI can help students feel more competent, motivated and in control of their learning.”
Co-researcher Dr John Kennedy cautions that many current AI tools are not designed with learning in mind.
“Current AI models are trained to provide users with answers they’re happy with, but this can bypass the cognitive processes of learning,” Dr Kennedy says.
“When students rely on tools that simply generate answers, they only learn how to prompt the system rather than how to think through a problem.”
He argues that education-focused AI needs a different foundation, one that reflects classroom realities and the emotional side of learning.
“We need to go beyond this basic use of AI and towards tools designed from the ground up for education—tools that understand local contexts, diverse learning goals and the emotional dimensions of learning.”
Dr Kennedy says this requires a change in how researchers and educators approach the technology.
“This requires a shift in the way researchers work: away from asking what AI can do for educators, and towards asking how educators can shape AI for the benefit of all learners.”
He adds that truly supportive systems would adjust both instructional detail and emotional tone.
“Effective educational AI should not only break problems into simpler steps but also tailor the type of hints it gives and the emotional tone of its responses to support positive attitudes to learning. That might include recognising delays in responses, deleted text, or patterns of hesitation during problem-solving. But this requires a different approach to training the AI to that commonly used today.
“When AI can adapt to a learner’s emotional state as well as their cognitive needs, it brings us closer to truly supportive and intuitive learning tools.”
Maria Irene is India Correspondent for The Indian Sun, reporting on technology, finance, culture, and diaspora stories across India and Australia, with a special focus on initiatives led by the Australian High Commission and its Consulates across India
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
New research suggests #AI could help tackle math anxiety by adapting to students' emotional cues & providing tailored support. It could adjust task difficulty & offer encouragement to boost confidence & enggmnt in learning. #TheIndianSun@UniofAdelaide
The Indian Sun is an independent organisation committed to community journalism. We have, through the years, been able to reach a wide audience especially with the growth of social media, where we also have a strong presence. With platforms such as YouTube videos, we have been able to engage in different forms of storytelling. However, the past few years, like many media organisations around the world, it has not been an easy path. We have a greater challenge. We believe community journalism is very important for a multicultural country like Australia. We’re not able to do everything, but we aim for some of the most interesting stories and journalism of quality. We call upon readers like you to support us and make any contribution. Do make a DONATION NOW so we can continue with the volume and quality journalism that we are able to practice.
