Automatic Assessment of Mathematical Creativity using Natural Language Processing
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Date
2023
Authors
Marrone, R.
Cropley, D.H.
Wang, Z.
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Journal article
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Creativity Research Journal, 2023; 35(4):661-676
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Abstract
Creativity is now accepted as a core 21st-century competency and is increasingly an explicit part of school curricula around the world. Therefore, the ability to assess creativity for both formative and summative purposes is vital. However, the fitness-for-purpose of creativity tests has recently come under scrutiny. Current creativity assessments have up to five key weaknesses that create a barrier to their widespread use in educational settings. These are: (a) A lack of domain/subject specificity; (b) Inconsistency, leading to a lack of trust; (c) A lack of authenticity in classroom settings; (d) Slowness (in providing useful results); (e) High cost to administer. The aim of the present study is to explore the feasibility of the automated assessment of mathematical creativity, drawing on tools and techniques from the field of natural language processing, as a means to address these weaknesses. This paper describes the performance of a machine learning algorithm, relative to human judges, demonstrating the practicality of automated creativity assessment for large-scale, school-based assessments.
Plain Language Summary: The importance of creativity is recognized in education systems globally. The ability to assess creativity, for both formative and summative purposes, is therefore vital. However, the quality of creativity tests (their validity and reliability) tends to come at a cost. In simple terms, the better the creativity test, the greater the effort, and therefore cost, required to deliver and score that test. The aim of the present study is to explore the feasibility of the automated assessment of mathematical creativity, drawing on tools and techniques from the field of natural language processing. This paper describes how a machine learning algorithm assesses mathematical creativity and compares this to human judges.
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Copyright 2022 Taylor & Francis Group
Access Condition Notes: Accepted manuscript available after 1 April 2024