Improving the Creative Thinking Skills of the Next Generation of Mathematics Teachers Using Dynamic Mathematics Software

Abstract

The case study reported in the paper investigated the effect of Project-based learning on students training to be mathematics teachers, pursuing their final projects. The final projects had as an aim of designing attractive and interactive mathematics learning material. This study used a qualitative method to assess the impact on the trainee teachers in terms of their creative design thinking. The research made use of the Hawgent dynamic mathematics software package. The study participants were all students at Guangxi Normal University, China. The students were divided into three groups, each with four or five members. The results presented show that selecting material and combining it with art using dynamic mathematics software can improve the communication skills, problem-solving and creative thinking skills, and improve the prospective teachers' self-confidence. Moreover, it was found that prospective mathematics teachers need motivation and support during their projects' lifecycle and that motivation has a positive effect on improving self-confidence.