Identifying and cultivating mathematical giftedness through competitive Mathematics: evidence from European participation trends

MARIA PRIOVOLOU, PANAGIOTIS GRIDOS

Abstract

This study addresses the gap in longitudinal, cross-national research on European mathematics competitions as pedagogical contexts for identifying and fostering diverse mathematical giftedness. Focusing on Bebras, Kangourou, the Henri Poincaré Mathematical Thinking Contest, and the European Statistics Competition, it examines how these competitions nurture creativity, flexible reasoning, and advanced problem-solving beyond standard curricula. Drawing on participation data from 1995 to 2025, the study employs quantitative, descriptive, and comparative analyses to explore student population growth patterns and pedagogical characteristics. Findings demonstrate that these competitions serve as valuable ecosystems for recognizing high-ability learners and cultivating creative, non-formalist mathematical thinking across Europe.

Keywords

Competitive Mathematics, mathematical giftedness, creative problem solving, European participation trends

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References

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.26220/mje.5648

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Mediterranean Journal of Education | ISSN: 2732-6489 |  Department of Educational Sciences and Early Childhood Education - University of Patras.

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