How does mathematical literacy affect creative thinking? Independent effects and differential impacts across...

Area of Science:

• Educational Psychology
• Mathematics Education
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Mathematical literacy is crucial for developing creative thinking.
• Existing research lacks a deep understanding of how specific mathematical literacy dimensions influence creativity.
• The nonlinear effects of mathematical literacy on creativity require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of mathematical perspective, mathematical thinking, and mathematical language on creative thinking.
• To examine differences in these influences across varying student proficiency levels.
• To identify nonlinear mutation characteristics in the relationship between mathematical literacy and creative thinking.

Main Methods:

• Empirical analysis of 6448 fifth-grade students.
• Theoretical framework based on China's Compulsory Education Mathematics Curriculum Standards (2022 Edition).
• Statistical analyses including correlation, multiple regression, and group comparisons.

Main Results:

• Mathematical language significantly and most strongly facilitates both divergent and convergent thinking.
• Mathematical thinking showed negative effects in some models, suggesting a tension with innovative thinking.
• High mathematical literacy proficiency demonstrated a nonlinear, stable, and strong positive effect on creative thinking, unlike lower proficiency groups.

Conclusions:

• Mathematical language is the primary driver linking mathematical literacy and creative thinking.
• A threshold effect exists where high mathematical literacy significantly enhances creative thinking.
• Findings support synergistic cultivation of literacy and creativity, informing teaching strategies like unit-based instruction and tiered tasks.