Mathematical Task Types to Enhance Creativity

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to analyze mathematical task types to enhance creativity. Creativity is increasingly important in every field of disciplines and industries. To be excel in the 21st century, students need to have habits to think creatively in mathematics learning. The method of the research was to collect the previous research and papers concerning creativity and mathematics. To search the materials, the researcher used the search engines such as the GIL and the KISTI. The mathematical task types to enhance creativity were categorized 16 different types according to their forms and characteristics. The types of tasks include (1) requiring various strategies, (2) requiring preferences on strategies, (3) making word problems, (4) making parallel problems, (5) requiring transforming problems, (6) finding patterns and making generalization, (7) using open-ended problems, (8) asking intuition for final answers, (9) asking patterns and generalization (10) requiring role plays, (11) using literature, (12) using mathematical puzzles and games, (13) using various materials, (14) breaking patterned thinking, (15) integrating among disciplines, and (16) encouraging to change our lives. To enhance students' creativity in mathematics teaching and learning, the researcher recommended the followings: reshaping perspectives toward teaching and learning, developing and providing creativity-rich tasks, applying every day life, using open-ended tasks, using various types of tasks, having assessment ability, changing assessment system, and showing and doing creative thinking and behaviors of teachers and parents.