A Study on the Development of Creativity in the Secondary Mathematics in Korea

This study sheds light on the importance of developing creativity in mathematics class by examining the theoretical base of creativity and its relationship to mathematics. The study also reviewed the realities of developing creativity in mathematics courses, and it observed and analyzed the processes in which students and teachers solve the mathematics problems. By doing so, the study examined creative abilities of both students and teachers and suggests what teachers can do to tap the potential of the student. The subjects of the study are two groups of students and one group of mathematics teachers. These groups were required to solve a particular problems. The grading was made based on the mathematical creativity factors. There were marked differences in the ways of the solutions between of the student groups and the teacher group. It was clear that the teachers\\` thinking was limited to routine approaches in solving the given problems. In particular, there was a serious gap in the area of originality. As can be seen from the problem analysis by groups, there was a meaningful difference between the creativity factors of students and those of teachers. This study presented research findings obtained from students who were guided to freely express their creativity under encouragement and concern of their teachers. Thus, teachers should make an effort to break from their routine thinking processes and fixed ideas. In addition, teaching methods and contents should emphasize on development of creativity. Such efforts will surely lead to an outcome that is beneficial to students.