Student's Creativity in Solving Problems on Number Operations Lesson

Abstract

This study aims to assess students' creativity in solving problems related to number operations presented in the form of open-ended problems. Additionally, it seeks to identify any variations in creativity between male and female students. Employing a mixed research method with an exploratory sequential design, the research was conducted in Class VII at Junior High School, MTs Zainul Hasan Balung, Jember Regency, and Indonesia. The study involved a total of 57 respondents, comprising 23 male students and 34 female students. Data collection was performed through written tests featuring open-ended problems and subsequent interviews. Qualitative data analysis employed the interactive models of Miles, Huberman, and Saldana, encompassing data condensation, presentation, and verification/conclusion. Quantitative data analysis utilized the chi-square test. The study's findings revealed that the creativity levels of the research subjects varied between level 3 and level 2. Furthermore, differences in creativity were identified between male and female students. The assessment of student creativity considered four indicators: fluency, flexibility, novelty, and plausibility. Importantly, this study established a significant relationship between student creativity and gender.