Identification of specific indicators of mathematical talent: fluency, flexibility, originality, elaboration and creativity

Abstract

This paper describes the results of an exploratory study seeking to identify characteristics of mathematically talented students when faced with a sequence of multiple-solution problems. With this aim, two samples of students have been selected: one formed by students between 15 and 17 years old participating in a programme addressed to mathematically talented students, and the other formed by students with a solid mathematical background. A sequence of four multiple-choice tasks was then designed and a qualitative analysis of the answers was carried out in order to characterise the profile of the mathematically talented students based on different indicators: flexibility, originality, elaboration and creativity.

Keywords

• talento matemático
• flexibilidad
• creatividad
• tareas de solución múltiple