Mathematical creative thinking ability and problem centered learning

Abstract

This research aims to determine the improvement of students’ mathematical creative thinking ability through Problem Centered Learning (PCL) approach. This research is a quasi-experimental with a non-equivalent research design. The population of this research were the eighth-grade students of SMP Negeri in Bandung. The sample of this research was determined by purposive sampling. The sample consisted of 62 students who were divided into two classes, experimental class and control class. The experimental class uses the PCL approach, while the control class uses conventional learning. Each class consists of 31 students. The data of students’ mathematical creative thinking ability were obtained by using test techniques. The improvement was proven by n-gain value of students’ pre-test and post-test. The conclusions obtained from the data analysis and discussion, there is a significant difference in the improvement mathematical creative thinking ability between high EMA in the PCL group and medium EMA in conventional learning. Based on EMA, PCL can be applied in high EMA classes. While students with medium and low EMA need further research so that students’ mathematical abilities can be improved by PCL.