The impact of the use of mathematical problem solving on the development of creative thinking skills for prep school students in Arab schools in Israel

Abstract

Mathematics occupies a central place among the different sciences; it can be described as the backbone of these sciences. Mathematics, from many specialists' point of view, is an important tool for organizing experiences, and understanding the environment in which we live; in addition to that, solving the problems of the world needs innovative and intelligent solutions to achieve the desired progress for the global civilization. Problem-solving models usually combine training on the steps of problem-solving and creative thinking. The current research aims to examine the impact of the use of mathematical problem-solving on the development of creative thinking skills for prep school students in Arab schools in northern Israel. The researcher used the experimental approach, and designed a control group and an experimental group with pre- and post-tests. The research sample consisted of 80 prep school students in Arab schools in northern Israel, and the result was that there are statistically significant differences (at the α≤0.05 level) between the average scores of students in the experimental group and the control group in the post-application of the creative thinking test in favor of the experimental group. The researcher concludes with recommendations to invest in developing students ' creative thinking. The importance of the current research stems from the importance of developing students' mental abilities, developing their self-education abilities, and acquiring creative thinking skills; because knowledge alone does not replace thinking, and cannot be utilized without the support of creative thinking.

Keywords

• Mathematical Problem Solving
• Creative Thinking
• Middle School

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