Curriculum materials in cultivating the mathematical creativity of gifted elementary students: A case study

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Cultivating students’ creativity to develop their problem-solving abilities has become a critical goal in mathematics education. However, evidence-based studies are limited, especially in the field of gifted mathematics education. Such research not only helps determine the effectiveness of different curriculum materials in fostering students’ mathematical creativity but also documents successful practices for future reference and enhancement. This study employed a case study approach to put theoretical strategies into practice for enhancing mathematical creativity among gifted primary school students.
Drawing on the five core principles of mathematical creativity and a problem-solving model, a curriculum incorporating challenging and open-ended mathematical problems was designed and implemented. The study lasted 10 weeks and involved 21 gifted fifth grade students from a primary school in Taiwan. Data were collected through classroom observations and video recordings, followed by qualitative analysis. The findings suggest that, in terms of classroom design, collaborative learning and reflective practices can enhance students’ mathematical creativity. In terms of mathematics question design, the integration of open-ended problems and multistep tasks can substantially increase the diversity and originality of students’ problem-solving strategies. This study puts theoretical insights into practice. It provides practical implications for the development of curricula material that aims to foster mathematical creativity in primary education and highlights the pivotal role of creativity in pedagogical practice.