The Extent of Mathematical Creativity and Aesthetics in Solving Problems among Students Attending the Mathematically Talented Youth Program

This study investigates the extent of mathematical creativity among 57 eight-grade talented students in the Mathematically Talented Youth Program. We examine the reasoning these students applied in solving a problem; the degree of mathematical creativity and aesthetic in their approach in solving a non-routine mathematical problem; and explore whether the students’ mathematical thinking is dependent solely upon previous mathematical knowledge and skills. We found that majority of the students relied on technical algorithm to solve the problem. Although talented students coped well with the thinking challenge, most of them operated at the basic level of creativity. One implication drawn from this study is the need to broaden and develop mathematical-logical thinking both as specific lessons and also as an integral part of other lessons in the program.