King’s Education Faculty Introduce New Learning Model Using Literature to Help Students with Math Anxiety

King’s College today announced that Jill Yurko, Ed.D., and Denise Reboli, Ph.D., have introduced a new research-backed model that integrates literature, mathematics, and video technology to make STEM more accessible in elementary schools. 

Their research, entitled Using Mathematics and Technology to Integrate Reading to Learn in the Content Areas, was showcased at the 2025 Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education Conference in Orlando, Fla. 

The project shows that teaching candidates can increase student motivation to learn math by presenting it within a literary context. Incorporating elements like storytelling and visual media makes math more accessible, especially for students who perceive themselves as stronger in reading and writing.

For instance, as part of this educational model, faculty will ask students to read Math Curse by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, in which a student overcomes their fear of math by working through everyday scenarios like getting ready for the bus on time or sharing a class snack equally with classmates. Students are then asked to identify and think through how math shapes their daily experience just like the main character in the book.

“This approach helps bridge the gap between literacy and STEM education, making math less intimidating for students while encouraging a more dynamic learning environment,” said Dr. Yurko. “Research shows that literature and video technology can reshape students’ attitudes toward math and enhance their overall academic engagement.”

“The promising findings suggest that this instructional method not only strengthens interdisciplinary teaching but also helps students overcoming math anxiety,” said Dr. Reboli. “By making math more approachable through familiar literary frameworks, educators can use a student’s academic strengths to help them overcome their weaknesses.”