Abstract
Mathematics is a creative expression. The results of mathematics, namely its theorems have not only stood the test of time but also adapted to paradigm shifts that resulted in different systems of axioms. Axiomatic shifts result in the development of new areas of mathematics (e.g., Non-Euclidean geometries; Non-standard Analysis etc.). However, axioms are also a system of rules that can be “playfully changed” to force creative expression. The chapter addresses whether uncertainty and creative expression go hand-in-hand in mathematics and whether creativity can be fostered by engineering uncertainty. Uncertainty also exists in numerous real-life situations where a mathematical model is required to understand a problem situation. This chapter addresses promising approaches in the learning of mathematics that involves both abstract and real-life situations in the classroom that result in ambiguity and uncertainty. Implications of the creativity that results from such an approach is discussed.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Beghetto, R. A. (2007). Ideational code-switching: Walking the talk about supporting student creativity in the classroom. Roeper Review, 29, 265–270.
Beghetto, R. A & Corazza, G. E. (2019). Dynamic perspective on creativity. Springer Switzerland.
Beghetto R. A. (2020) Uncertainty. In: Glăveanu V. (Ed) The Palgrave Encyclopedia of the Possible. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.
Corazza, G. E. (2016). Potential originality and effectiveness: The dynamic definition of creativity. Creativity Research Journal, 28, 258–267.
Davis, P. J., & Hersh, R. (1981). The Mathematical Experience. Birkhäuser.
Glaveanu, V. P. (2016). The psychology of creating: A cultural developmental approach to key dichotomies within creativity studies. In V.P. Glaveanu (Ed). The Palgrave Handbook of Creativity and Culture Research (pp. 205–223). Palgrave Macmillian.
Lindström T., Sriraman B. (2021) Mathematics, Science, and Dynamical Systems: An Introduction. In: Sriraman B. (eds) Handbook of the Mathematics of the Arts and Sciences. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-70658-0_143-1
Shen, K., Crossley, J., & Lun, A. (1999). The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art. Oxford University Press.
Sriraman, B. (2019). Uncertainty as a catalyst for mathematical creativity. In M. Nolte (Ed), Including the Highly Gifted and Creative Students-Current Ideas and Future Directions. Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Mathematical Creativity and Giftedness (MCG 11), pp. 32–51. Universitaet Hamburg, Germany. WTM Verlag Muenster.
Sriraman, B. (2021). Uncertainty as a catalyst and condition for creativity: the case of mathematics. ZDM Mathematics Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-021-01287-6
Zeilberger, D. (2017). What is mathematics and what should it be? In B. Sriraman (Ed). Humanizing Mathematics and its Philosophy (pp. 139–150). Birkhäuser.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2022 Springer Nature Switzerland AG
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Sriraman, B. (2022). Engineering Uncertainty in the Mathematics Classroom: Implications for Classroom Tasks and Learning. In: Beghetto, R.A., Jaeger, G.J. (eds) Uncertainty: A Catalyst for Creativity, Learning and Development . Creativity Theory and Action in Education, vol 6. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-98729-9_11
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-98729-9_11
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-98728-2
Online ISBN: 978-3-030-98729-9
eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)