Hybrid Counseling Model for Analyzing Math Anxiety Among Prospective Teachers in the Era of 21st-Century Numeracy Literacy

Abstract

As one of the fundamental disciplines, mathematics plays a significant role in strengthening 21st-century numeracy literacy. However, the emergence of math anxiety has become a serious challenge for prospective elementary school teachers. This condition negatively affects students’ concentration, problem-solving abilities, and learning motivation. The urgency of this study is reinforced by the results of national assessments and international studies, which indicate that Indonesian students’ numeracy literacy achievement remains relatively low. Meanwhile, guidance and counseling services in higher education are still predominantly dominated by conventional approaches. This condition is considered less compatible with the characteristics of Generation Z students, who are highly familiar with digital technology. Therefore, innovative counseling services that are more flexible, accessible, and aligned with students’ learning styles are needed. A hybrid counseling model, which combines face-to-face sessions with digital-based support, may serve as a potential solution to help reduce students’ math anxiety. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the hybrid counseling model.