Dr Maria D. Ryan
Research interests
Mathematics anxiety among mature students.
Impact of mathematics anxiety on mathematics education at primary and second level.
Turning points in a student's engagement with mathematics.
Life story research as a method of understanding mathematics anxiety.
Mixed methods research as an approach to studying mathematics anxiety.
Mathematics anxiety among secondary teachers of mathematics
Mature students' transition to higher education.
Assessment strategies for service mathematics.
Enquiries about research supervision in any of the above or related areas are welcome. Please email me at MariaD.Ryan@mic.ul.ie
More information
Seminars, Webinars, Workshops
2024
09 Mar. Organised 'From Mathematics Anxiety to Mathematical Resilience' Workshop for Secondary Teachers and Support Staff at School of Post Primary Education, MIC Thurles. Delivered welcome and opening address, and concluding address. Access workshop Padlet here.
2023
12 Dec. Invited speaker for Webinar 'Engineering Confidence - Tackling Mathematics Anxiety for Peak Performance.' Engineers Ireland South Branch CPD hybrid event, Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork (link).
25 Oct. 'Numeracy and the Maths Anxious Learner - Considerations for School Placement.' Presentation to Year 4 ITE students in preparation for school placement (professional development module), MIC St. Patrick's Campus, Thurles Co. Tipperary.
13 Oct. Ryan, M. & Saunders, R. (2023). Understanding, Detecting and Alleviating Mathematics Anxiety – Presentation to Mathematics Teachers. Workshop in collaboration with Trinity College Dublin Access Office, Trinity Access Mathematics Residential Workshop, Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim Co. Meath, October 13th-14th 2023
03 Aug. Invited speaker for Webinar 'Defeating Math Anxiety' for 'Best Semester Ever: Fall 2023 - Helping you and your Teen, Tween, Young Adult, and/or College Student have the Best School Year Possible' hosted by www.AceCookieTutoring.com.
20 Jun. Invited speaker for Presentation 'Turning the Negatives into Positives - Tackling Mathematics Anxiety in the Post-Primary Class.' Online presentation to staff of University of Limerick.
16 May Invited speaker for Webinar 'Tackling Math Anxiety in the Classroom' - Encorps Learning Summit, Professional Development event for STEM Educators, hosted by Encorps Inc., Los Angeles.
27 Mar. Invited speaker for Presentation title 'Mathematics Anxiety in the Second Level Context and the Role of the Parent.' Presentation to Parents of Secondary School Students at Davis College Mallow, Co. Cork. Facilitated through Researcher in Residence Scheme (Teaching Council).
09 Jan. Invited speaker for Presentation 'Understanding the Struggle with Maths - Focus on Mathematics Anxiety in the HE Context.' Presentation to Mathematics Staff at Munster Technological University (MTU) Bishopstown Campus.
2022
09 Nov. and 16 Nov. - Presentation 'Numeracy and the Maths Anxious Learner - Considerations for School Placement.' Presentation to Year 4 and Year 2 students in preparation for school placement (professional development module), MIC St. Patrick's Campus, Thurles Co. Tipperary.
11 May - Invited speaker for Presentation 'Overcoming Maths Anxiety - The Role of The Adult Numeracy Tutor.' Presented at Numeracy Meets - Adult Numeracy Practitioner Continuous Professional Development event, hosted by NALA and Irish Research Council.
11 Feb. - Presentation ‘Fostering a Positive Disposition towards Learning Service Mathematics – The Role of Mathematics Support for Mature Students.’ Paper presented at MIC Research Week Online 11/02/2022 - 18/02/2022
2021
21 Oct. - Invited speaker for Webinar 'Helping Adult Learners overcome Mathematics Anxiety: The Role of The Tutor,' hosted by National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) for Maths Week 2021
22 Apr. - Invited speaker for Webinar 'How don't you understand this?' Exploring Mathematics Anxiety in the Primary School Context' hosted by Education Centre Tralee (Abstract)
04 Mar. - Invited speaker for Webinar 'Turning the Negatives in to Positives - Tackling Mathematics Anxiety in the Post-Primary Class' hosted by Education Centre Tralee (Abstract)
20 Feb. - Co-Contributor to Rethink Math Teacher Blog '7 Ways to Inspire Students to Love Math'
2020
20 Oct. - Interview (Audio) How to Help your Kids with Math Anxiety on Allison Loves Math Podcast
29 Jun. - How to Help Your Kids with Math Anxiety Interview with Prof. Allison Dillard, Irvine Valley College, CA
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Pará, T. S., Ryan, M., Quiceno, J.M., Yorgun, A., Mbogo, H. N., Mudadigwa, B., Figiacone, S. R., & Dillard, A. (2024). Mathematics anxiety as a global problem. In S. Johnston-Wilder and C. Lee (Eds.). The Mathematical Resilience Book: how everyone can progress in mathematics. London: Routledge. Chapter 13.
Pará, T. S., Ryan, M., Quiceno, J.M., Yorgun, A., Mbogo, H. N., Mudadigwa, B., Figiacone, S. R., & Dillard, A. (2024). Mathematical resilience global developments. In S. Johnston-Wilder and C. Lee, The Mathematical Resilience Book: how everyone can progress in mathematics. London: Routledge. Chapter 14.
McCullagh, O., Ryan, M., & Fitzmaurice, O. (2024) Mathematics Anxiety in Undergraduate Business Studies Students, Teaching Mathematics and Its Applications: International Journal of the IMA Vol. 43(1). DOI: 10.1093/teamat/hrae001
Ryan, M., Fitzmaurice, O. & Johnson, P. (2023). Investigating mathematics anxiety among mature students in service mathematics courses using the mathematics anxiety scale U.K., International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, pp. 1-25. DOI: 10.1080/0020739X.2023.2179950
Ryan, M., Fitzmaurice, O. & Johnson, P. (2023) Towards understanding the development of mathematics anxiety – the mathematics life story framework. Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Developing Mathematical Resilience, Milton Keynes UK, July 6-8 2022. Open University Press pps. 75-81.
Ryan, M., Fitzmaurice, O. & Johnson, P. (2019) Divorce, Evil, and the Regime of Terror – Personal Characterisations of Mathematics in the Lives of Mature Students, Adults Learning Mathematics: An International Journal, 14(1), 34-40. (Overview).
Ryan, M., & Fitzmaurice, O. (2017) Behind the numbers. The preliminary findings of a mixed methods study investigating the existence of mathematics anxiety among mature students. Adults Learning Mathematics: An International Journal, 12(1), 49-58. [Article]
Ryan, M. (2015) Using a Joint Assessment to make Mathematics Real and Relevant. In D. Green (ed.) Proceedings of the CETL-MSOR ‘Sustaining Excellence’ Conference, University of Greenwich, London, September 8th-9th 2015, pps. 97-102. [Abstract]
Other Publications
Ryan, M. (2023) Mathematics Support for the Mathematics Anxious Student. Article published in the Irish Learning Support Association (ILSA) e-zine Autumn 2023.
Conference Presentations
2023
Ryan, M. (2023) ‘Should I Stay or Should I Go?’ - Insights into the Impact of Mathematics Anxiety on Undergraduate Students’ Engagement with Service Mathematics. Paper presentation at 7th International Future of STEAM Education conference, ATINER Athens, 17-19 Jul. 2023.
Ryan, M. (2023) ‘Travelling a Rocky Road’ - Insights into the Impact of Mathematics Anxiety on Adults’ Mathematics Journeys and how this can inform practice. Keynote Address at Adults Learning Mathematics 30th International Conference, University of Limerick, 2-5 Jul. 2023.
Ryan, M. (2023) 'Exploring mathematics anxiety - Considerations and next steps for the second-level context'. Presentation at Middle Leadership Summer School, MIC Thurles, 14 Jun. 2023.
Ryan, M. (2023) Mathematics Anxiety - Impact on the Adult Learner. Keynote Address at the 1st Developing Mathematical Resilience - Mathematics Anxiety Awareness Day, MTU Bishopstown Campus, 12 Jun. 2023. (Link)
Ryan, M. (2023) Mathematics Anxiety in the Higher Education (HE) context – A Focus on Students of Service Mathematics. Presentation at Sustaining Mathematical Accessibility Conference, University College Dublin. 24 Mar. 2023
2022
Ryan, M. (2022) Using the Math Life Story Framework to Understand Math Anxiety. Presentation at Empowering Math Teacher Virtual Conference, 05-06 Nov. 2022.
Ryan, M. (2022) The Mathematics Life Story Framework - Towards understanding the development of mathematics anxiety. Paper presented at the 3rd International Conference on Developing Mathematical Resilience, Mathematics Resilience Network, The Open University, Milton Keynes, U.K., 2-3 Jul. 2022
Ryan, M. (2022) Helping the post-primary mathematics learner overcome mathematics anxiety. Paper presented at Irish Learning Support Association (ILSA) Conference, Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork, 25 Mar. 2022
2021
Ryan, M., Fitzmaurice, O. & Johnson, P. (2021) 'Helpless around mathematics' - An examination of the impact of high levels of mathematics anxiety on adult learners, Paper presented at the Adults Learning Mathematics 28th Annual Conference (ALM-28), 06 Jul. 2021, Online
Ryan, M., Fitzmaurice, O. & Johnson, P. (2021) 'Trying not to fail anything!' An examination of the impact of failure in mathematics on the levels of mathematics anxiety among mature students, Paper presented at the Educational Studies Association of Ireland (ESAI) 44th Annual Conference, 26 Mar. 2021, Online
2020
Ryan, M., Fitzmaurice, O. & Johnson, P. (2020) 04 Sep. You're better off dropping to ordinary maths! Using life story method to elicit student experiences of doing mathematics at second level, Paper presented at the Educational Studies Association of Ireland (ESAI) 43rd Annual Conference, Online
Ryan, M., Fitzmaurice, O. & Johnson, P. (2020) The Impact of Mathematics Anxiety on the Adult Learner, Plenary Presentation at National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) Annual Conference, Trinity College Dublin, 05 Mar. 2020
Ryan, M., Fitzmaurice, O. & Johnson, P. (2020) Helping Adult Learners overcome Mathematics Anxiety: The Role of The Tutor, workshop facilitated at National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) Annual Conference, Trinity College Dublin, 05 Mar. 2020
2019
Ryan, M. (2019) Student Voice in the Post-Primary Classroom - Lessons for the Teaching of Mathematics. Paper presented at Revolutionising Education through Play and Voice Conference, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, 05 Oct. 2019
2018
Ryan, M., Fitzmaurice, O. & Johnson, P. (2018) Like a Red Rag to a Bull! Investigating the Existence of Mathematics Anxiety among Mature Students. Paper presented at British Society for Research into Learning Mathematics (BSRLM) Day Conference, King’s College London, 10 Nov. 2018
Ryan, M., Fitzmaurice, O. & Johnson, P. (2018) Divorce, Evil, and the Regime of Terror – Personal Characterisations of Mathematics in the Lives of Mature Students. Paper presented at Adults Learning Mathematics 25th Annual Conference (ALM-25), UCL Institute of Education London, 9-12 Jul. 2018
Ryan, M., Fitzmaurice, O. & Johnson, P. (2018) Coming back to haunt me! An Investigation into the Existence of Mathematics Anxiety among Mature Students studying Service Mathematics in Ireland. Paper presented at the Educational Studies Association of Ireland (ESAI) 41st Annual Conference, University College Dublin, 6th-7th Apr. 2018
2017
Ryan, M. (2017) Assessing Business Mathematics and Management Principles using Group Project Work, Presentation at Conversations in the Consortium, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, 29 Nov. 2017
Ryan, M., Fitzmaurice, O. & Johnson, P. (2017) Investigating Mathematics Anxiety among Mature Students using Mixed Methods: presentation to Interdisciplinary Research Group Meeting, Mary Immaculate College, St. Patrick’s Campus, Thurles, 04 Apr. 2017
Ryan, M., Fitzmaurice, O. & Johnson, P. (2017) An Investigation into Mathematics Anxiety among Mature Students Studying Service Mathematics, Poster presentation at International Winter School, University of Limerick, 27-28 Jan. 2017
2016
Ryan, M. & Fitzmaurice, O. (2016) Behind the numbers: Preliminary findings of a mixed methods study into the existence of mathematics anxiety among mature students, 23rd International Adults Learning Mathematics Conference (ALM-23), Maynooth University, Co. Kildare, Ireland, July 3rd-6th 2016
2015
Ryan, M. (2015) Making Mathematics Real and Relevant, Presentation at CETL-MSOR ‘Sustaining Excellence’ Conference, University of Greenwich, London, UK, 08-09 Sep. 2015
Ryan, M. & Fitzmaurice, O. (2015) The Prevalence of Mathematics Anxiety among Mature Students studying Service Mathematics in Ireland. Presentation at Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) First International Conference on Barriers and Enablers to Learning Mathematics: Enhancing Learning and Teaching for all Learners, University of Glasgow, UK, 10-12 Jun. 2015
2014
Ryan, M. & Fitzmaurice, O. (2014) Service Mathematics and the Maths Anxious Mature Student, Limerick Postgraduate Research Conference (LPRC), Limerick Institute of Technology, 29 May 2014
Ryan, M. & Fitzmaurice, O. (2014) Mathematics Anxiety and the Mature Student, Women in Maths Day in Ireland (WIMDI) Conference, National University of Ireland, Galway, 01 May 2014
Ryan, M. & Fitzmaurice, O. (2014) The Prevalence of Mathematics Anxiety among Mature Students studying Service Mathematics. Poster Presentation of Ph.D. Research Idea, International Winter School, University of Limerick, 24-26 Jan. 2014
