Ways of Developing Creative Thinking and Reasoning of Students in Mathematics Learning

Abstract

Reasoning skill is one of the main components of mathematical competency (NCTM, 2014). Mathematics students use mainly two types of reasoning skills namely imitative reasoning and creative reasoning in solving mathematical tasks. The textbook tasks in our context are of routine types which are solvable using imitative reasoning. Most mathematics teachers use prescribed textbooks in lesson planning and teaching (Thomson & Fleming, 2004) which ultimately promotes imitative reasoning among the students as compared to creative reasoning. Moreover, many mathematics teachers still follow the traditional chalk-and-talk banking pedagogy which does not support the enhancement of creative thinking and reasoning skills. This literature-based research study has identified some of the ways to develop the creative thinking and reasoning skills of mathematics students through the intense study of the available research articles, thesis, and books in the field of mathematical thinking and creativity. This study has found the positive impact of productive struggle and adversity quotient on students’ creative thinking and reasoning skills. Likewise, problem-posing and problem-solving skills have been found to be essential skills for enhancing creativity. This study has also found modern student-centric teaching approaches like the ADI (Argument-Driven Inquiry) approach and the RME (Realistic Mathematics Education) approach beneficial in improving reasoning skills. This study also found CMR (Creative Mathematically Founded Reasoning) tasks to be helpful in increasing the creative reasoning skills of mathematics students.