engleski

Mathematics in pictures: Past experiences as a pledge for the future of teaching mathematics creatively

Problem posing and problem solving, imagination and openness to new experiences are some of the important features of creativity. Current scientific knowledge, however, points to the conclusion that these are insufficiently encouraged in teaching mathematics. Yet, it has been confirmed that the mentioned features contribute to the development of positive attitudes and motivation to learn mathematics, thus helping the process of learning mathematics. Considering the above, the presentation offers an overview of the relevant literature on teaching mathematics creatively. Aiming to encourage creativity in this field, the presentation offers and analyzes successive projects implemented within the framework of mathematics classes at the Faculty of Chemistry and Technology in Split (from the academic year 2013/2014 to the academic year 2015/2016). The projects include: Mathematics in Pictures, Picture Assignment, and Mathematical Album: Collection of Open-Ended Assignments. The goal of all projects was to encourage students to think creatively about and within mathematics, and the project tasks encouraged conceptual understanding and a creative approach to problems. The qualitative analysis of the results of the surveys conducted after completing the first two projects reveals undoubtedly positive student experiences of a creative approach to teaching mathematics in higher education. The content analysis of the third project confirms the pedagogical and methodical value of this approach in teaching mathematics. The aforementioned projects are, therefore, critically considered in the presentation from the point of view of modern knowledge about the importance and possibilities of encouraging creativity in teaching mathematics. Finally, the presentation argues the projects’ value as a pledge for the future of teaching mathematics creatively.

conceptual understanding, creativity, problem posing, problem solving

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