Assessing Mathematical Creativity Using Non-routine Problem-Solving Task for High School Students

Author Information

Tomjun A. Abainza, Philippine Normal University, Philippines
Rene R. Belecina, Philippine Normal University, Philippines

Abstract

The study aimed to develop and validate non-routine problem-solving tasks to assess the mathematical creativity of high school students. Grounded on the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) model, the study followed a developmental research design. Creativity in mathematics was operationalized through four components: fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration. A total of nine tasks were initially developed, reviewed, and validated by seven mathematics experts from various universities, with six tasks retained for pilot testing and final implementation. Seven experts validated the non-routine problem-solving tasks in terms of their suitability, clarity, and appropriateness, with an overall interpretation of “strongly agree.” Thirty senior high school students were chosen using purposive sampling technique, with findings revealed that most students demonstrated a moderate level of mathematical creativity. In terms of its components, result shows that students received high in fluency but low in originality in generating multiple solutions. Additionally, students evaluated the tasks based on their acceptability and practicality, indicating that the tasks were technically sound, clear, and engaging. The study concludes that the developed non-routine problem-solving tasks are reliable, valid, and feasible tools for assessing mathematical creativity among high school students. It recommends integrating these tasks into classroom instruction or curriculum development to enhance mathematical creativity and better prepare students for global assessments such as PISA. Future studies are encouraged to extend this research to other mathematics subjects and examine the effects of creative problem-solving on students’ academic performance.

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