This paper considers and synthesises two areas of research: the anxiety experienced by certain students regarding learning mathematics and the impact of smell on learning. Having examined a wide range of academic articles and doctoral theses across 10 countries, it is evident that there is a significant gap in research on the specific impact of smell in reducing mathematics anxiety. This study aims to address this gap by proposing an approach for implementing olfactory assistance in mathematics classrooms in Australia, with the objective of improving learning outcomes. This approach aligns with contemporary neurological research, which emphasises that the integration of multiple senses strengthens memory retention and recall pathways, potentially reducing anxiety when accessing learned information.

The role of smell in enhancing human behaviour and decision-making has been widely documented in other fields. For example, in real estate marketing, the strategic use of scent has been shown to influence buyers’ emotional responses, making properties feel more appealing and "homely." Similarly, brands across industries employ signature scents to create strong associations and increase brand loyalty. Companies such as Abercrombie & Fitch and Rolls-Royce utilise olfactory branding to evoke specific emotions and establish memorable connections with their target audiences. These findings suggest that smell has a powerful ability to influence emotional states, memories, and decision-making, which could also be harnessed in educational contexts to enhance learning experiences and reduce anxiety.

Additionally, aromatherapy research has provided robust evidence of the link between certain scents and relaxation. Essential oils such as lavender, bergamot, and chamomile have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety by affecting the limbic system, the part of the brain involved in emotion and memory. In educational settings, the use of calming scents could help create a more relaxed environment, allowing students to focus better and approach mathematics with less apprehension. This is particularly relevant when dealing with students who experience heightened anxiety related to mathematics, as their emotional state can significantly impact their ability to engage with and retain information.

Furthermore, current research challenges the traditional notion of fixed learning intelligences, instead highlighting the importance of creating enriched, multi-sensory learning environments. Studies in neuroscience reveal that the more senses involved in acquiring knowledge, the stronger the neural pathways become for recall. This multi-sensory approach supports the idea that smell, as one of the most direct pathways to the brain’s memory centres, could play a pivotal role in reducing anxiety and improving retention of mathematical concepts. Engaging additional senses, such as olfactory cues, strengthens synaptic connections in the brain, making it easier for students to retrieve and apply learned knowledge, even under pressure.

By linking the neurological benefits of multi-sensory engagement with the established impact of scent in other domains such as marketing, relaxation, and memory enhancement, this research proposes that olfactory assistance could offer an innovative strategy to reduce mathematics anxiety. Incorporating smell into mathematics classrooms could create an environment where positive associations and relaxed states enhance students’ confidence and ability to engage with challenging content. This study aims to bridge the gap in the current literature and provide a foundation for future research into the integration of olfactory cues as a tool for improving mathematical learning and reducing anxiety.