Creativity for teaching mathematics. A diagnosis of secondary school professionals

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a research completed at junior high school in Lima, Peru, involving teachers of mathematics during 2010. The objective was to assess the level of creativity of teachers of mathematics for the sake of enlarging it. Theoretical methods were used to construct a general framework; likewise interviews and observation were used and processed statistically. Motivation, originality and flexibility were considered as dimensions of creativity. The results show that 80 % of interviewed teachers self-evaluate their level of creativity as high. However, according to observations only 40 % of teacher creativity reaches a mid-level, and only a fifth of those assessed by their own pupils attained such mid-levels and show potentials for team work and initiative to elaborate or look for material aids generating a pleasant learning atmosphere.