Fostering Mathematical Creativity
Keywords:
mathematical creativity, creativity, mathematics, problem solvingAbstract
The world needs creative problem solvers, perhaps now more than ever. The mathematics classroom is the perfect place to cultivate such creative thinkers. Mathematics is often considered a rule-based subject that has little room for creativity. This manuscript aims to show that creativity has a place in the mathematics classroom. Teacher choices have a significant impact on whether creativity is fostered or suppressed in the math classroom. Through critical reflection of current teaching methods, teachers can create a classroom environment where creativity flourishes. Methods for doing so are discussed, including teaching for understanding, choosing and creating rich tasks that have a “lower floor and higher ceiling,” (Boaler, 2016) allowing ample time for thinking, and telling students to be creative.
References
Aldous, C. (2005). Creativity in problem solving: Uncovering the origin of new ideas. Shannon Press.
Azzam, A.M. (2009). Why creativity now? A conversation with Sir Ken Robinson. Educational Leadership 67(1), 22-26.
Barron, F. (1955). The disposition towards originality. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 5, 478-475.
Boaler, J. (2016). Mathematical mindsets: Unleashing students’ potential through creative math, inspiring messages, and innovative teaching. Jossey-Bass & Pfeiffer Imprints.
Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1997). Creativity: Flow & the Psychology of Discovery & Invention. Harper & Row.
Gray, Alex, S. W. (2016, January 19). The 10 skills you need to thrive in the fourth industrial revolution. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/01/the-10-skills-you-need-to-thrive-in-the-fourth-industrial-revolution/.
Hawkins, D. (1974). Messing about in science. In D. Hawkins (Ed.), The informed vision: Essays on learning and human nature (pp. 65-76). Agathon Press.
Hutchinson, E. D. (1931). Materials for the study of creative thinking. Psychological Bulletin, 28, 392-410.
Kim, K. H. (2011). The creativity crisis: The decrease in creative thinking scores on the Torrance tests of creative thinking. Creativity Research Journal, 23(4), 285-295.
Leiken, R. (2013). Evaluating mathematical creativity: The interplay between multiplicity and insight. Psychological Test and Assessment Modeling, 55(4), 385-400.
Levenson, E. (2012). Tasks that may occasion mathematical creativity: Teachers’ choices. Journal of Mathematics Teacher Education, 16(4), 269-291. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10857-012-9229-9
Mehrotra, P. (2020, March 12). 5 Simple Ways to Add Creativity in Mathematics. edCircuit Retrieved December 01, 2020, from https://www.edcircuit.com/five-simple-ways-to-add-creativity-in-mathematics/
National Research Council (2001). Adding it up: Helping children learn mathematics. National Academies Press, LTD.
O’Neal, I. C., & Runco, M. A. (2016). Uncover & unleash students’ creative potential: Translating research into practice. Principal Supplement: Champion Creatively Alive Children. NAESP.org
Royce, J. (1898). The Psychology of Invention. Psychological Review, 5(2), 113-144.
Runco, M. A., & Jaeger, G. J. (2012). The standard definition of creativity. Creativity Research Journal, 24(1), 92-96. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400419.2012.650092
Sriraman, B. (2008). The characteristics of mathematical creativity. Zdm, 41(1-2), 13-27. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-008-0114-z
Stein, M. I. (1953). Creativity and culture. Journal of Psychology, 36, 31-32.
Su, F. (2017, January 8). Mathematics for human flourishing. The Mathematical Yawp. https://mathyawp.wordpress.com/2017/01/08/mathematics-for-human-flourishing/
Vygotsky, L. S. (2004). Imagination and creativity in childhood. Journal of Russian & East European Psychology, 42(1), 7-12. https://doi.org/10.1080/10610405.2004.11059210
Wallas, G. (1926). The art of thought. Harcourt, Brace, and Company.
