Draw a graph with three evenly spaced vertical sections: one yellow, one blue and one red. Write the words "Positive cycle" on the left side of the graph -- on the outside -- near the top with a black pen. Write the words "Negative cycle" on the left side of the graph -- on the outside -- near the bottom.
Label the top of the yellow section "Social/motivational." The section identifies factors -- family, friends, schoolmates and teachers, for example -- that affect a student's overall behavior. Write the word "Pursuit" in line with the words "Positive cycle." Write the word "Avoidance" in line with the words "Negative cycle." Draw an upward arrow in between the two words, pointing in both directions. Label the arrow "Behavior continuum."
Label the top of the blue section "Intellectual/educational." The section identifies factors -- innate or learned knowledge, talent or skill -- that affect a student's overall perception. Write the word "Success" in line with the words "Positive cycle." Write the word "Failure" in line with the words "Negative cycle." Draw an upward arrow in between the two words, pointing in both directions. Label the arrow "Achievement continuum."
Label the top of the red section "Psychological/emotional." The section identifies factors -- emotional maturity, emotional past, sensitivity -- that affect how a student feels overall. Write the word "Confidence" in line with the words "Positive cycle." Write the word "Anxiety" in line with the words "Negative cycle." Draw an upward arrow in between the two words, pointing in both directions. Label the arrow "Feelings continuum."
Examine the scale to ensure all components are accurate. After the student is posed with a series of math-related questions, an anxiety examiner will process and grade the answers, according to the National Institutes of Health. The more negative a student's reactions to the questions, the farther down the chart he will score. Alternatively, the more positive his answers, the farther up the student will score. As a result, an anxiety chart observer will be able to view a student's math anxiety levels -- in all three major domains -- at one time. Viewing the results simultaneously provides a clearer idea of the student's overall level of math-related anxiety.