Opinions of Academics on the Relation Between Mathematics and Creativity

Abstract

Mathematics and creativity are two concepts that are not independent of each other. These two concepts have a major role in improving creative, critical, inquisitive and multidimensional thinking skills. Educators are highly important in teaching and improving critical thinking skills as well as mathematical skills which we face in every sphere of life. Aims: This study, which is based on this ideology, aims to reveal the opinions of academics on the relation between mathematics and creativity. Method: The participants of the study is composed of 103 academics working in the education faculties of universities. The responses of the academics to the research question were subjected to content analysis. Findings: The results of the analysis revealed that the responses of the academics (n=100) who pointed to a relation between mathematics and creativity can be grouped into four themes (common skills, flexibility, originality, common intelligence types). Result: The responses of the academics regarding the relation between mathematics and creativity revealed that the themes developed from the responses coincide with those in the literature.