A New Model of Creativity in Mathematical Problem Solving

Authors

Scott A. Chamberlin, University of WyomingFollow
Eric L. Mann, Hope CollegeFollow

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

7-2014

Publication Source

Proceedings of the 8th Conference of MCG International Group for Mathematical Creativity and Giftedness

First Page

35

Last Page

40

Publisher

International Group for Mathematical Creativity and Giftedness

Abstract

Myriad definitions of creativity in mathematics have been promulgated (Mann, 2005). The construct of creativity being comprised of fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration (Haylock, 1997; Imai, 2000; Kim, Cho, & Ahn, 2003) is generally agreed upon in the field of mathematics education. The purpose of this paper is to propose an additional component to the construct of creativity in mathematics. The fifth component of creativity is iconoclasm. Iconoclasm entails the penchant of mathematically creative individuals to dissent from commonly accepted principles and solutions. Iconoclasts are known to be nonconformist and may thus be open to uncommon or non-traditional solution paths.

Keywords

creativity, iconoclasm, mathematics, mathematical problem solving

Recommended Citation

Chamberlin, Scott A., and Eric L. Mann. “A New Model of Creativity in Mathematical Problem Solving.” In Proceedings of the 8th Conference of MCG International Group for Mathematical Creativity and Giftedness, 35–40. University of Denver: International Group for Mathematical Creativity and Giftedness, 2014. http://igmcg.org/images/proceedings/MCG-8_proceedings-for_the_site.pdf.