Open Ended Mathematical Problem Solving: an Analysis of Elementary Students’ Creative Thinking Abilities

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to describe the creative thinking ability of elementary school students in solving open-ended math problems. This type of research is qualitative that seeks to analyze students’ creative thinking ability (CTA) in solving open math problems. The subjects of the study were the 5th grade of elementary school students. Research subjects amounted to 3 students with different mathematical abilities. Data collection techniques include observation, tests, and interviews. Data analysis is done by data reduction, data presentation, and verification or conclusion. Data validity technique is done by triangulation of data source. The results showed that students with high and medium level mathematical ability have good creative thinking ability (CTA), whereas students with low category math ability have less creative thinking ability (CTA). Those results of this study can give an idea that the ability to think creatively needs attention in learning mathematics.