Promoting Creativity in General Education Mathematics Courses

Abstract

This paper describes the development and implementation of course modules intended to encourage creative thinking in an undergraduate general education mathematics course. The modules were designed to address the characteristics of creativity outlined in the literature through explorations of mathematics relevant to non-mathematics majors. A general description of the modules, as well as specifics about two lessons is provided. Student work, including journal entries, surveys, and class assignments, provide evidence that this intentional focus on creativity in mathematics challenged students’ conceptions about mathematics, allowed them to reconsider the mathematics familiar to them in new ways, and engaged them in meaningful collaborations. Interviews of instructors revealed that they, too, engaged in creative processes as they planned the course and thought about innovative ways to engage students with mathematics. The course modules have been shared with other faculty teaching the course and will eventually be adapted for use in other mathematics courses, including those for STEM majors. Implications and future avenues for implementation and research are discussed.

Keywords:

• Creativity
• general education mathematics
• course modules

Additional information

Funding

This project was funded by the National Science Foundation, IUSE program, project award #1611876.

Notes on contributors

Mika Munakata

Mika Munakata is a professor of mathematics education in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Montclair State University. In addition to this project on creativity in STEM, her research interests include teacher leadership, interdisciplinary STEM teaching and learning, and professional development.

Ashwin Vaidya

Ashwin Vaidya is an associate professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Montclair State University. He works on problems at the interface of physics and mathematics, on issues of emergence of patterns in physical systems and is also interested in fostering conditions in the classroom for the emergence of creativity in his students.

Ceire Monahan

Ceire Monahan is a doctoral student and research assistant at Montclair State University. She is a former middle school teacher interested in developing innovative ways to infuse creativity and mathematics to improve student learning along with understanding best practices in preparing and supporting pre- and in-service teachers to teach mathematics.

Erin Krupa

Erin Krupa is an assistant professor of mathematics education in the Department of STEM Education at North Carolina State University. Her research focuses on improving the quality of mathematics teaching and learning through innovative curricular materials and professional development.