CERME7 Working Group 7: Mathematical potential, creativity and talent

Abstract

WG7 was a new CERME WG, whose purpose to draw the attention of the mathematics education community to the field of mathematical potential, creativity and talent, and to encourage empirical research that will contribute to the development of our understanding of the field. The first central theme was theoretical foundations of mathematical talent and creativity. Research from the University of Cyprus aimed to clarify the construct of mathematical giftedness. The study by Kattou et al. demonstrated that mathematical ability may be a predictor of mathematical creativity and, vice versa, that the level of mathematical ability depends on the level of mathematical creativity. Kontoyianni et al. used instruments measuring mathematical ability, mathematical creativity, self-perceptions of mathematical behaviour and fluid intelligence. The study results revealed that mathematical giftedness can be described in terms of mathematical ability and mathematical creativity.