Preparing preservice teachers to foster creativity in mathematics education through the use of collaborative learning experiences

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

There is growing recognition of the importance of fostering creativity in education, particularly in mathematics. Creativity supports not only problem-solving but also innovation and critical thinking, essential for academic and future success. Despite this, mathematics is often seen as rigid and abstract, causing anxiety or disinterest among students. In reality, mathematics requires imagination and innovation. Thus, it is crucial to prepare preservice teachers to teach mathematics creatively. However, many lack the necessary skills and positive perceptions due to limited exposure to mathematical creativity in their own education. This study explored how cooperative learning strategies—where students work collaboratively—affect preservice teachers’ perceptions of creativity. Forty- three preservice teachers enrolled in a mathematics methods course participated in the study, which used a mixed-methods design. Data were collected through pre- and post-surveys, including Likert scale items and open-ended questions. Analyses included descriptive statistics, paired-sample t-tests, and Cohen’s d to determine the magnitude of change, along with thematic analysis for qualitative insights. Results revealed a statistically significant improvement (d = 0.63, p < 0.05) in participants’ perceptions of creativity following their engagement in group work. Additionally, preservice teachers expressed a strong interest in incorporating creativity-enhancing strategies into their future teaching practices. These findings suggest that collaborative learning approaches can effectively enhance preservice teachers’ appreciation of creativity, with potential long-term impacts on their instructional methods. The study advocates for integrating cooperative learning in teacher preparation programs to foster creative, confident mathematics educators equipped to inspire future generations of problem solvers.