Date of Award

1-2021

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

College/School

College of Science and Mathematics

Department/Program

Mathematics

Thesis Sponsor/Dissertation Chair/Project Chair

Mika Munakata

Committee Member

Erin Krupa

Committee Member

Pablo Tinio

Committee Member

Ashwin Vaidya

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to understand in-service teachers’ experiences with and ideas about mathematical creativity after participating in a targeted professional development program. The professional development program encouraged participants to think creatively and foster students’ creativity. In this study I present the results from the main unit of analysis, 12 participants in a professional development program, along with a deep analysis of three exemplar teachers from each of the identified groups, adherence to traditional teaching practices (traditional), appreciation for teaching for creativity (creative but hesitant), and teaching for creativity (creative). The findings of this study highlight the combination of participants’ personal characteristics, lesson plans, problem-solving processes, and the environment that allowed teachers to foster creativity among middle school mathematics students. It also describes challenges participants faced when addressing mathematical creativity and how professional development programs can further support teachers as they implement elements of mathematical creativity into their teaching practice.

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